VOLKSWAGEN GOES ANIMATED – MEET ‘WOLFSWAGEN’ IN DISNEY’S ZOOTOPIA 2
When a global carmaker meets the world’s biggest animation studio, magic tends to happen - or in this case, something downright Zootopified. Volkswagen has teamed up with Walt Disney Animation Studios for the upcoming Zootopia 2, set to hit theatres on November 26th. And yes, the partnership means we’re getting a new lineup of talking cars - not from Radiator Springs, but straight from Wolfsburg. Say hello to “Wolfswagen.” Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. family gets an animated twist for the big screen. Three specially designed vehicles inspired by the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.7 Tourer have been brought to life as animal-friendly, character-rich versions of themselves - all with that clever, pun-filled charm that made the first Zootopia such a global hit. Each car was custom-animated to fit into the film’s lively animal metropolis, where brand parodies and social commentary blur in the best possible way. In true Zootopia fashion, Volkswagen becomes “Wolfswagen”, a playful nod to the brand’s Wolfsburg roots and an inside joke that Disney fans and VW enthusiasts alike will appreciate.
To kick off the collaboration, Volkswagen dropped a co-branded 30-second global ad spot that blends Zootopia 2’s humour and visuals with VW’s sleek electric aesthetic. The spot features the “Zootopified” ID. lineup - complete with fur, feathers, and flair - and even debuts Shakira’s new track, “Zoo,” sung by her returning character, Gazelle. The short film will roll out in theatres, on TV, and across digital platforms worldwide as part of VW’s new 360° marketing campaign, proving once again that emotion and creativity are the brand’s new horsepower.
Christine Wolburg, Volkswagen’s Chief Brand Officer, summed it up: “Emotional storytelling is what enables Volkswagen to appeal to new customer groups. Zootopia 2 shows the importance of breaking prejudices and exploring new ground - values Volkswagen also embodies. We’re thrilled to ‘Zootopify’ our brand in such a fun and meaningful way.”
This isn’t VW’s first run-in with Disney magic. The brand has already made cinematic appearances in the Star Wars series Obi-Wan Kenobi and in Marvel’s Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, tying those collaborations to the launch of the ID. Buzz - VW’s retro-futuristic electric van. With Zootopia 2, the focus shifts to character-driven storytelling and a younger, more diverse audience. Each regional VW team is adapting the campaign for local markets - Germany’s rollout, for example, pairs the film tie-in with special leasing offers for the Golf, ID.7 Tourer, and T-Cross. Because even animated adventures can move real-world metal.
The sequel picks up with rookie cops Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), who are pulled into another wild mystery when newcomer Gary De’Snake (voiced by Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan) slithers into town, and chaos ensues. The voice cast is a who’s who of comedy and star power, including Idris Elba, Andy Samberg, Fortune Feimster, Quinta Brunson, Danny Trejo, and, of course, Shakira as the glamorous Gazelle. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with Yvett Merino producing, Zootopia 2 promises a bigger, bolder world full of fresh environments - and now, electrified animal-friendly mobility thanks to Wolfswagen.
For Volkswagen, this is a clever brand move. It shows that the company’s future, much like Zootopia’s bustling cityscape, is electric, inclusive, and full of personality. VW didn’t just lend its cars to a film; it lent its character. Because in a world where animals talk, it only makes sense that the cars do too - and they’re all proudly Wolfswagens.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off the new way of doing product placement in animated movies - the future is weird, and rad: Zootopia is back ... And this time Volkswagen joins the party! 🐺🚗 | Volkswagen News
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel here for more exciting and exclusive SXdrv content! And don't forget to smash that subscribe button!