Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will temporarily suspend operations for one week at its Hanover plant in October. This facility produces both the electric ID. Buzz and the conventional Multivan. The decision comes as the company works to align production with slowing demand for light commercial vehicles across Europe and a slower-than-anticipated shift to electric vehicles.
According to a Volkswagen spokesperson, the pause will give the company “the flexibility needed to adjust production plans to current market conditions.” This follows recent steps to manage output, including extending summer shutdowns from three to four weeks and cutting the standard workweek from 37.5 hours to 35 hours beginning September 1, 2025.
While global deliveries of the ID. Buzz rose 70% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, overall volumes have not met internal targets. To help boost sales, Volkswagen has introduced a “Maker Month” promotion, providing attractive leasing offers for commercial buyers on both the ID. Buzz and the e-Transporter, which is built in collaboration with Ford.
Volkswagen has scaled back its annual production goal at the Hanover facility by 21,000 units, impacting both the ID. Buzz and the Multivan. This adjustment is aimed at better matching factory output with the current demand in the market.
The ID. Buzz, Volkswagen’s modern electric take on its classic Bulli van, has encountered hurdles in the U.S., including a recall of roughly 5,600 vehicles due to issues with third-row seat belt compliance. In addition, deliveries were temporarily paused in July 2025 before resuming later in the summer.
These changes reflect Volkswagen’s strategy to remain flexible and responsive to shifting market dynamics while continuing to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle segment across Europe and other global markets.
