Volkswagen Singapore and Giti Tire proudly welcome renowned driver Rainer Zietlow to Singapore on his extraordinary attempt to set a new Guinness World RecordTM for the most countries visited in an electric vehicle.

Celebrating the 75-year legacy of Volkswagen buses in style

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. The journey is particularly significant as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Volkswagen Bus, an enduring icon which shows no sign of slowing down.

He previously set records in the Volkswagen Touareg in 2012, a model known 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 Singapore, providing guests with an opportunity to see the iconic EV in action and meet the man behind the wheel.

According to Dr. Kurt Leitner, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen embodies both innovation and exploration: “The Volkswagen brand is built on engineering excellence and emotional connection — vehicles that are made to move people, both physically and emotionally. The ID. Buzz is a modern revival of the legendary VW Bus, a beloved icon. The ID. Buzz is carrying the same spirit but reimagined for a new generation. Rainer’s mission highlights the performance, reliability, and spirit of exploration that people all around the globe know and love about Volkswagen and our buses.”

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 Singapore, and this will definitely not be my last.”

Volkswagen Singapore and Giti Tire’s joint event at Volkswagen Centre Singapore celebrated adventure, innovation and sustainable mobility, giving guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the driver, car and tyres. Zietlow’s arrival in Singapore 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.

About Volkswagen Group Singapore

Volkswagen Group Singapore is a subsidiary of Porsche Holding Salzburg, which is fully owned by the Volkswagen Group. The company’s portfolio includes Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, ŠKODA, CUPRA and Das WeltAuto — Volkswagen Group Singapore' certified pre-owned car programme. Volkswagen Group Singapore imports and retails Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda and CUPRA vehicles directly. This arrangement allows for a closer relationship between the brand and the people who matter the most. Volkswagen Group Singapore provides its customers with the quality experience they expect from Europe’s largest car maker — the showrooms and service centres are fully equipped with the latest equipment, with investments continuously being made in human resources and processes to provide the highest possible levels of customer service in both sales and aftersales.

About Giti Tire

Giti Tire — trusted by the world’s leading automotive makers and ranked among the top ten tire brands. With advanced R&D, precision engineering, and a strong presence in international motorsports, Giti delivers products that bring stability, control, and confidence — whether on city roads, long-distance highways, demanding racetracks, or heavy-duty off-road terrains.

Giti Tire is a global tire manufacturer with a strong presence in technology- driven product innovation, motorsports, and more than 130 markets worldwide. Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Singapore, the company has grown to over 28,000 employees globally and operates five world-class manufacturing facilities supported by advanced R&D centres in Germany, the USA, China, and Indonesia.

With its reputation for quality and reliability, Giti is a trusted partner of leading global car manufacturers, supplying original factory-fitted tires for new vehicles. In recognition of its sustainability leadership, the company has been awarded the Ecovadis Platinum Medal—placing Giti Tire among the top 1% of tire industry worldwide for ESG practices.