RESTON, Va. (February 13, 2025) – Volkswagen of America, Inc., in partnership with NBCUniversal, today debuted a co-branded spot celebrating the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL50). The spot features the ID. Buzz in a reimagined version of “The Californians,” an iconic SNL sketch. Adding to the excitement, original cast members Fred Armisen, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig reprise their roles in the beloved sketch.

The integration of the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen’s all-electric reimagining of the classic Microbus, in “The Californians” sketch underscores the brand’s connection to California, a state rooted in car culture. The parody also references driving routes throughout the Southern California region.

“Volkswagen’s recent 75th anniversary in the U.S. and Saturday Night Live’s 50th season are milestone moments for two iconic brands. ‘The Californians’ is as synonymous with SNL as the ID. Buzz is with California, making it the perfect vehicle to bring back a sketch that resonates with so many. Especially in the wake of this recent tragedy that has affected communities across California, we believe in the healing power of comedy.”

– Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing, Volkswagen of America

“The Californians”-inspired spot featuring the ID. Buzz and the return of Hader, Wiig, and Armisen will air during the “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” on Friday, February 14, live on Peacock at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and will subsequently be viewable on multiple digital, online, and social channels as part of a comprehensive branded content campaign.

Beyond the entertainment integration, Volkswagen recognizes the importance of supporting the California community reflected in the sketch. Volkswagen has pledged a monetary donation to the California Fire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to support first responders and their families around the state.

“With the leadership and oversight of professional firefighters, the California Fire Foundation provides immediate relief to evacuees and firefighters whose lives are risked and upended in times of disaster, resources to prepare firefighters and communities to prevent and combat firestorms that devastate our state, and emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities we protect. We are grateful to Volkswagen for their generosity and their commitment to support firefighters and the communities we serve.”

– Brian K. Rice, Chair, California Fire Foundation

To donate to the California Fire Foundation, please visit the dedicated fundraising page: https://cpf.salsalabs.org/volkswagenforcff/index.html