Giti Tire's Record-Breaking World Tour with the VW ID.Buzz Set New Standards for EV Performance
Giti Tire's Record-Breaking World Tour with the VW ID.Buzz
Giti Tire recently achieved a remarkable milestone in the world of electric vehicles, showcasing not just endurance but groundbreaking tire technology during the 'VW ID.Buzz World Tour.' This ambitious journey spanned an astonishing 99,800 kilometers across 92 countries and lasted for 16 months, uniquely highlighting the capabilities of the GitiSynergyH2 tires.
Led by the intrepid traveler Rainer Zietlow, this expedition began in Hannover, Germany, on July 1, 2025. Using a modified VW ID.Buzz, Zietlow traversed various terrains across continents, including Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North and South America, and the Middle East. This remarkable endeavor has not only set a new Guinness World Record for a continuous global tour in a battery-powered electric vehicle but has also provided significant insights into the performance and reliability of EV technology in real-world conditions.
Throughout the journey, Giti Tire ensured Zietlow's safety and efficiency by connecting him to an extensive global support network. This support included the strategic use of two sets of GitiSynergyH2 tires, which were swapped midway through the expedition. Interestingly, a final inspection revealed that more than half of the tread depth remained after nearly 100,000 kilometers, underscoring the durability and performance of the tires. The VW ID.Buzz was equipped with two different tire sizes: 235/60 R18 for the front axle and 255/55 R18 for the rear, adhering to the Original Equipment (OE) agreement established with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in September 2023.
The GitiSynergyH2 tires are engineered with a cutting-edge tread compound that significantly reduces rolling resistance without sacrificing performance features such as wet and dry braking and handling. Rainer Zietlow praised the performance of the tires, stating, “Having driven almost 100,000kms, I can confidently say that GitiSynergyH2 tires offer a premium driving experience. We achieved around 400 kilometers between each charge, even in extreme weather conditions like heavy rain in Southeast Asia, where we experienced no aquaplaning whatsoever.”
This expedition serves not only as a testament to Giti Tire's innovative spirit and commitment to safety and sustainability but also as proof of the evolving landscape of EV technology. Chris Bloor, Executive Director at Giti Tire, emphasized the importance of this journey, stating, “We aimed to showcase our advanced EV tire technology, demonstrating performance under real-world conditions while emphasizing our dedication to durability, safety, innovation, and sustainability.”
In addition to this landmark achievement, Giti Tire also celebrated another significant moment when the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme (U9X) set a new record for the fastest production car, reaching an impressive top speed of 496.22 km/h while equipped with GitiSport e.GTR2 Pro tires. This further cements Giti Tire's position as a leader in tire innovation and performance.
As the tour concluded at the IAA Transportation event in Hannover on September 14, 2026, Zietlow was awarded an official certificate recognizing his world record – a fitting tribute to a journey marked not just by distance but by a commitment to exploring the potential of electric vehicles and sustainable driving solutions.
In an era where the automotive industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, Giti Tire's success with this world tour illustrates the remarkable advancements in tire technology that can support the growing demand for electric vehicles. The future of driving is undoubtedly electric, and Giti Tire is leading the charge with exemplary performance and innovation.