It’s clear that dealerships are taking advantage of the high demand for the Volkswagen ID Buzz by adding significant markups to the already steep sticker price. This goes against the former CEO’s directive that dealers should not be adding any additional markups to the price of the vehicle.
Consumers are now faced with the prospect of paying thousands of dollars over the sticker price just to get their hands on the highly-anticipated electric people hauler. This pricing strategy effectively prices out many potential buyers who were already struggling to afford the vehicle following the initial price announcement.
Reports from various sources, including Redditors and direct communications with dealerships, confirm that markups ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 are being added to the ID Buzz’s price tag. Salespeople are citing high demand as the reason for these markups, leaving consumers feeling frustrated and taken advantage of.
One dealership in California reportedly told a customer to expect a markup of $10,000 to $20,000, despite corporate instructions not to add any additional fees. Another dealership in Illinois confirmed that they would be asking for $10,000 over MSRP due to demand. These markups are significantly inflating the price of the vehicle and making it increasingly unaffordable for many potential buyers.
It remains to be seen how Volkswagen will address this issue and whether they will take action against dealerships that are adding excessive markups to the ID Buzz. In the meantime, consumers are left frustrated and disappointed by the pricing strategy surrounding what was supposed to be a highly-anticipated and groundbreaking electric vehicle from Volkswagen.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz was supposed to be a game-changer in the electric vehicle market. With its nostalgic design and promise of modern technology, it was expected to be a hit with consumers. However, the reality of the situation was far from what was anticipated.
One of the biggest issues with the ID Buzz was its price tag. While some were hoping for a more affordable option in the $40,000 range, the actual starting price was $59,995 before destination fees. This put the vehicle out of reach for many potential buyers, especially considering its limited range of 231 miles. Even the highest-trimmed model, the Buzz Pro S, came with a hefty price tag of $69,995.
The backlash from consumers was immediate and harsh. Many felt that Volkswagen had missed the mark with the pricing and features of the ID Buzz. Some even took to the internet to express their disappointment, calling the launch a “swing and miss” at nostalgia.
This negative reception couldn’t have come at a worse time for Volkswagen. The company is already facing financial struggles, with its CFO warning that they have only a couple of years to turn things around. The ID family of vehicles has not been meeting expectations, and competition from other EV brands like Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai is only getting stronger.
In the end, the Volkswagen ID Buzz may go down in history as a missed opportunity for the company. While it had the potential to be a popular and iconic electric vehicle, its high price and lackluster features ultimately led to its downfall. Only time will tell if Volkswagen can bounce back from this setback and regain its footing in the EV market. Volkswagen had high hopes for the ID Buzz, envisioning it as a game-changer that would inject new life into their lineup and excite buyers. The iconic design of the ID Buzz was meant to not only pay homage to the classic VW Microbus but also pave the way for a new era of electric vehicles from the German automaker.
However, even before the price was announced, Volkswagen was already wary of potential markups on the Buzz. Former CEO of VW North America, Pablo Di Si, stressed the importance of avoiding dealer markups to maintain a good relationship with customers. The pressure was on to get the pricing right and ensure that the ID Buzz remained accessible to potential buyers.
Fast forward to the present, and the ID Buzz finds itself in a bit of a predicament. The price tag is higher than anticipated, making it a tough sell for those looking for a more affordable electric option. At the same time, the nostalgia and appeal of the Buzz make it a beloved model that cannot be ignored.
Volkswagen is now faced with the challenge of finding a balance between making the ID Buzz more affordable and preventing dealer markups. The stakes are high, as the success of the ID Buzz could have a ripple effect on the rest of the ID lineup. If Volkswagen fails to address these issues, they risk losing out on potential sales and tarnishing the reputation of their flagship electric vehicle.
In order to secure the future of the ID Buzz and other ID models, Volkswagen must take decisive action. Whether it means renegotiating pricing, cracking down on markups, or offering incentives to buyers, the automaker needs to show that they are committed to making electric vehicles accessible to a wider audience.
The ID Buzz was meant to be a beacon of innovation and a symbol of Volkswagen’s electric ambitions. Now, it’s up to Volkswagen to ensure that the Buzz lives up to its potential and paves the way for a future where electric vehicles are not only exciting but also accessible to all.