A Volkswagen ID.Buzz fitted with Giti Tire’s GitiSynergy H2 tires has completed a 99,800-kilometer drive through 92 countries, setting a new world record for a continuous global tour using a battery-powered electric vehicle. The expedition was led by professional globetrotter Rainer Zietlow, and Giti Tire announced the result on Sept. 24, 2026, from Hannover, Germany.

92 countries in 16 months

Run in partnership with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV), the tour visited Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South and North America and the Middle East over 16 months. The journey started in Hannover on July 1, 2025. Giti says it focused on safety and reliability throughout, while assisting Zietlow by connecting him to its global support network.

The tour ended at IAA Transportation in Hannover on September 14, 2026, where Zietlow was presented with a certificate officially recognizing the new EV world record. The release photo shows Zietlow with Lena Kuhlmann, Official Adjudicator for Guinness World Records; Petr Cajka, Sales & Marketing Director Europe, Giti Tire; and Lars Krause, Head of Sales & Marketing, VWCV.

Two sets of tires, half the tread left

Giti Tire used two sets of GitiSynergy H2 tires, swapped at the halfway point of the journey, to keep the record itinerary on track. According to the company, a final inspection of the equipped tires showed more than half of the total tread depth remaining.

The ID.Buzz ran size 235/60 R18 on the front axle and 255/55 R18 on the rear, in line with the original equipment (OE) agreement with VWCV that began in September 2023. Giti says the tires carry an AA European label rating and use a new generation of tread compound to achieve significantly reduced rolling resistance without compromising wear or the key safety elements of wet and dry braking and handling. Both sizes are listed on Giti’s European GitiSynergy H2 product page.

Around 400 km per charge

Zietlow said: "Having driven almost 100,000kms I have no hesitation in saying the GitiSynergy H2 tyres deliver a premium quality driving experience."

"Excellent rolling resistance gave us around 400 kilometers between every charge and we drove through some insanely heavy rain, especially in South East Asia, where there was zero aquaplaning. All this was achieved with a top tier tyre. Amazing," he added.

Chris Bloor, Executive Director at Giti Tire, said: "We wanted to demonstrate our advanced EV tyre technology by proving performance under real-world conditions and showing long-term commitment to durability and safety, as well as innovation and sustainability. This has been proven, again."

Giti Tire has also entered the record books elsewhere: the company noted that the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme (U9X) reached a top speed of 496.22 km/h on GitiSport e.GTR2 Pro tires, making it the fastest production car on the planet.

Source: Giti Tire press release