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Volkswagen and NBCUniversal have teamed up to bring back “The Californians,” a beloved Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch, as part of SNL’s 50th anniversary season. The reimagined spot features the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and reunites original cast members Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig.
Key Highlights:
- Volkswagen is an official partner of SNL’s 50th anniversary season while celebrating its own 75th anniversary in the U.S.
- The ID. Buzz, Volkswagen’s all-electric homage to the classic Microbus, takes center stage in the sketch, emphasizing the brand’s deep connection to California.
- The spot will debut during “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” on February 14, live on Peacock.
- Volkswagen has pledged financial support to the California Fire Foundation to aid first responders and their families.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. partnered with NBCUniversal to create a co-branded marketing campaign featuring “The Californians,” an iconic SNL sketch known for its exaggerated portrayal of Southern California culture. The comedic segment will highlight the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen’s modern electric reinterpretation of the Microbus, a vehicle long associated with California’s vibrant car culture.
“Volkswagen’s recent 75th anniversary in the U.S. and Saturday Night Live’s 50th season are milestone moments for two iconic brands,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing at Volkswagen of America. “‘The Californians’ is as synonymous with SNL as the ID. Buzz is with California, making it the perfect vehicle to bring back a sketch that resonates with so many.”
Beyond entertainment, Volkswagen is demonstrating its commitment to California by donating to the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters, their families, and communities affected by wildfires.
Brian K. Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation, expressed gratitude for Volkswagen’s support, stating, “We are grateful to Volkswagen for their generosity and their commitment to support firefighters and the communities we serve.”
The special SNL 50th anniversary segment featuring the ID. Buzz will premiere on Peacock at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on February 14 and will be available across various digital and social platforms.
About Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America, Inc. operates as part of Volkswagen Group of America, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. The company sells a range of vehicles, including the ID.4, ID. Buzz, Atlas, and Tiguan, through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Volkswagen’s U.S. operations include an assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, producing the ID.4 and Atlas models.
For more information, visit www.vw.com.
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