Volkswagen debuted two special versions of the 2024 VW ID.Buzz, its all-electric van that's due out next year, to coincide with the release of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. One van is decked out to join the dark side while the other takes inspiration from the Jedi master on the light side.
"The opportunity to explore how 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' and the Volkswagen brand could come together on a vehicle was pure fun," LucasFilm vice president and executive creative director Doug Chiang said in a press release. "The themes of good and evil, light and dark aren't necessarily concepts we apply to cars. The ID. Buzz collaboration offered a unique opportunity to have the cars become graphic reflections of two iconic characters."
The movie studio and the automaker drew inspiration from Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi to design the respective vehicles.
On the light side, the passenger van version is coated in two tones: decked out in chrome on the top half as an homage to the spaceships and droids of the Star Wars universe. The lower half takes a beige hue, representing the tunic of Kenobi.
A blue line on the sides mimics his lightsaber.
The dark side cargo variant sports shades of red and black. Matte black drapes the top half while a shiner black dons the lower side. Red lines the side lines, headlights, light strips and window surfaces as a symbol of Darth Vader's lightsaber. The bus also features red underbody lighting.
Both models come with custom-made 21-inch wheels that further accentuate which side the vehicle falls on.
"In close collaboration with Lucasfilm, we combine the timeless and functional design of the ID. Buzz with the fascinatingly detailed world of Obi-Wan Kenobi," VW head of design Jozef Kabaň said.
VW says that the collaboration is part of the company's efforts to position the brand as a more emotional entity, wanting that to play into its ongoing electrification strategy.
The campaign also features a commercial spot made with LucasFilm and Industrial Light & Magic, featuring Kenobi and other characters from the Star Wars universe.
The vehicles were present at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California and were featured as part of the red carpet premiere of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+.
The ID.Buzz is already available for order for European customers and should be available for order in the U.S. next year. VW hasn't given price details yet.
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