World-record endurance driver Rainer Zietlow has made a stop in Malaysia as part of his Guinness World Record attempt to visit the most countries in an electric vehicle (EV). Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, fitted with GitiSynergy H2 tyres from Giti Tyre, he has spent the past 84 days covering over 46,000 kilometres across 46 countries, spanning the Americas, Europe, and now Asia.
This marks Zietlow’s second visit to Malaysia as part of a world record attempt. In 2012, he set a world record in the Volkswagen Touareg, driving from Melbourne, Australia, to St. Petersburg, Russia, in just 17 days. More than a decade later, he returns behind the wheel of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, taking on an even bigger challenge to showcase how far mobility has come.
This time, his stop in Malaysia was welcomed by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and Giti Tire Malaysia (GTM) — allowing those interested to see the record-breaking EV up close, and meet Zietlow in person.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia Managing Director, Renate Noessler, said, “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 that legend, the VW Bus, the minibus a beloved Icon.” She added that Zietlow’s mission highlights its performance, reliability, and spirit.
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To support the world record attempt, Volkswagen equipped the ID. Buzz with GitiSynergy H2 tyres, which GTM says more than meets an EV’s demand for tyres that can handle heavier battery loads, instant torque, and maximise range, offering performance, durability, and wet-weather safety across varied conditions.
Commenting on the partnership between Volkswagen and Giti Tyre, Zietlow said, “I am very happy to have Volkswagen and Giti Tyre alongside me for this journey – the performance of the ID. Buzz and Giti tyres has met my expectations.”
“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,” he added.
Giti Tyre Group International Marketing Deputy General Manager, Shiroo Chia, said, “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.”
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