Volkswagen pauses production of the ID. Buzz in Germany

Volkswagen plans to suspend production for one week at its German commercial vehicle plant in Hannover, coinciding with the autumn holidays in Lower Saxony this coming October. This plant is responsible for producing the electric ID. Buzz van, as well as the combustion-engined Multivan. This decision is apparently the result of a decline in demand for light commercial vehicles in Europe, as well as slower-than-expected growth in electric vehicle sales.

In statements to the media, a spokesperson for Volkswagen explained that this pause will allow the company to adjust its production schedule to the new market conditions, thereby gaining greater flexibility. As we have been reporting here at HighMotor, the launch of the ID. Buzz in the United States has not been as successful as expected either. Shortly after its debut in autumn 2024, Volkswagen had to recall 5,000 units due to a problem with the third-row seats, which did not comply with US safety regulations. To make matters worse, this summer the company also had to halt exports of the ID. Buzz to the United States due to rising tariffs.

Despite this series of setbacks, ID. Buzz deliveries have shown notable growth in 2025, with 27,600 units delivered worldwide during the first half of the year, an increase of 70 percent compared with the same period in 2024. In addition, orders grew by 42 percent.

Below expectations

Although these figures may seem good, they are nonetheless below the company’s expectations, which has forced it to cut planned production in Hannover by around 21,000 fewer vehicles this year, affecting both the ID. Buzz and the Multivan. To adapt to lower demand, Volkswagen has already implemented a number of measures, such as extending the summer holidays at the plant from three to four weeks and pausing production accordingly.

Since 1 September, employees have returned to the standard 35-hour working week set by the collective agreement, after having worked 37.5 hours under a special agreement.