Rainer Zietlow’s ID.Buzz World Record Journey Makes a Pit Stop in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and Giti Tire Malaysia (GTM) proudly welcomed renowned world-record driver Rainer Zietlow to Malaysia on his extraordinary attempt to set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the most countries visited in an electric vehicle.

Since the start of his journey, Zietlow has travelled through 46 countries in 84 days, covering more than 46,400 kilometres in the all-electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz. He previously set records in the Volkswagen Touareg in 2012, a model renowned for its strength and versatility, making his current journey in the fully electric ID.Buzz a powerful symbol of how far mobility has come. This stop also marks Zietlow’s second visit to Malaysia, providing guests a rare opportunity to see the iconic EV in action and meet the man behind the wheel.

According to Renate Noessler, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, Volkswagen embodies both innovation and exploration: “Rainer’s mission reminds us that driving is not just a daily commute, but can also be an adventure. The Volkswagen Minibus has been a beloved icon and fan-favourite for generations. The ID. Buzz is a modern revival of that legend, carrying the same spirit, but reimagined for a new generation. Having Rainer behind the wheel really highlights its performance, reliability, and spirit of exploration that people all around the globe know and love.”

Rainer’s drive is a bold reminder that Volkswagen isn’t just about iconic design — it’s about endurance, performance, and pushing boundaries. The ID. Buzz isn’t a nostalgic throwback; it’s a powerful redefinition of a legend, built for those who go the distance. With Rainer at the wheel, we see what the ID. Buzz truly represents: the spirit of sport, strength, and the drive to explore without limits.”

Equally critical to this attempt are the GitiSynergy H2 tires, which Volkswagen selected as the original equipment fitment for the ID.Buzz. EVs present unique challenges for tires, from handling the heavier loads of battery packs to managing instant torque and maximizing range. The GitiSynergy H2 addresses all these demands with advanced tread compounds, low rolling resistance, and reinforced construction. Just as importantly, they are well rated for wet performance, ensuring stability and safety across the many regions where rainfall and slippery roads are unavoidable.

Shiroo Chia, Deputy GM, International Marketing, Giti Tire Group, emphasized how this journey showcases Giti’s technological strength: “Rainer’s ultra-long-distance journey is powerful real-world proof of GitiSynergy H2’s advanced technology and trusted performance. We’re proud that both the automaker and driver rely on Giti to conquer this 80,000-km, 70-country world tour.”

For Zietlow, the partnership between Volkswagen and Giti Tire has been central to his progress so far. “I am very happy to have Volkswagen and Giti Tire alongside me for this journey – the performance of the ID.Buzz and Giti tyres has met my expectations,” he said. “The driving experience and overall capabilities are very good, and I am confident that I will be able to complete this zero-emissions world record attempt. I am thoroughly enjoying my second visit to Malaysia, and this will definitely not be my last.”

VPCM and GTM hosted an event at the Volkswagen Glenmarie (F.A. Wagen) Showroom that celebrated adventure, innovation in technology, and sustainable mobility, giving guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the driver, car and tyres. Zietlow’s arrival in Malaysia marks a significant milestone in a journey that is not only pushing the boundaries of electric mobility but also demonstrating the vital role of advanced tire technology in ensuring safety, endurance, and efficiency across continents.

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