Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has joined forces with DHL Express to conduct a pilot test featuring the ID.Buzz Cargo fleet in South Africa.
Over the next six months, four ID.Buzz Cargo units will be stationed at DHL Express Service Centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
These units are earmarked for specialized last-mile delivery services as part of DHL’s local pilot initiative aimed at achieving global zero emissions logistics.
This collaboration marks a significant step in realising Volkswagen Group South Africa’s electric vehicle strategy for the Volkswagen brand in the country.
“Our partnership with DHL Express on the ID.Buzz Cargo test fleet marks the beginning of Volkswagen’s long-term plan to gradually introduce its electric vehicles in the local market. At the end of the pilot test, we hope to have gathered sufficient information and insights on the readiness of the local market for the introduction of a commercial electric vehicle such as the ID.Buzz Cargo,” Thomas Milz, Director of Sales and Marketing at VWSA, said.
“We are very excited to partner with DHL who shares a similar commitment of zero emissions by 2050 in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement.”
The ID.Buzz Cargo test fleet is designed not only to raise awareness of Volkswagen’s electric vehicles in South Africa but also to garner crucial insights vital to the development of the brand’s electric vehicle strategy.
“As the world’s leading logistics company, we have a responsibility to set an example in our industry and be a sustainability leader,” said Jed Michaletos – MD, DHL Express South Africa.
“DHL Express has committed to achieving zero emission by 2050 through a number of initiatives, one of which is ensuring that we have at least 60% electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries by 2030. We are excited to partner with VWSA to pilot their ID. Buzz in our South African operations.”
Also read: FedEx Express Introduces EVs In SA, Commits To Fuel Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
FedEx Express serves more than 100 markets across the AMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) region.
This was contained in the FedEx’s annual economic impact report, analysing the company’s worldwide network and role in fueling innovation during its 2023 fiscal year. The study demonstrates the positive impact FedEx has on individuals and communities around the globe — otherwise known as the ‘FedEx Effect’.
The study found that with its extensive network, FedEx Express contributed 0.3% of net economic output in the Transportation, Storage, and Communications sector in AMEA during FY 2023.
Across all sectors of the AMEA economy, FedEx Express contributed 0.02% of total net economic output, which grew approximately 6% in FY 2023 to $44 trillion.
The study also concluded that transitioning commercial fleets to electric vehicles can play an important role in combatting climate change.
