VW attributes the move to declining demand for light commercial vehicles in Europe and slower-than-expected growth in EV demand. A spokesperson told the German Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung the measure provides “the necessary flexibility to adapt production planning to changed market demand.”
VW has also struggled with a flawed launch of the all-electric ID. Buzz in the US, where the model was intended to follow in the footsteps of the classic Bulli among Californian surfers. Shortly after the US launch in autumn 2024, the first 5,000 vehicles were recalled for an embarrassing reason: the third-row seats were too wide and did not meet US safety standards. In July, deliveries of additional vehicles to the US were temporarily halted but were soon resumed.
Delivery numbers for the ID. Buzz have risen significantly this year across all markets, but still fall short of expectations. According to the report, the company delivered 27,600 ID. Buzz vans worldwide in the first half of 2025, a 70 per cent increase over the same period in 2024. Order intake was reportedly up 42 per cent compared with the first half of 2024.
However, VW Commercial Vehicles is said to have cut the number of vehicles planned for production at the Hannover plant by 21,000 units this year, including both the ID. Buzz and the combustion-powered Multivan. No other models are currently produced at the facility. The figure comes from employee sources cited by the HAZ. The original planned volume is unknown.
VW Commercial Vehicles has already responded to weak demand with two measures: summer plant holidays were extended from three to four weeks, and production was paused accordingly. Since 1 September, the standard collective-agreement 35-hour week has resumed; previously, employees had worked 37.5 hours per week under a special arrangement.
To boost sales, VWCV is currently running a “Maker Month.” During the campaign, commercial customers can lease the ID. Buzz and the e-Transporter built by partner Ford Otosan in Turkey under special conditions. Combustion-powered models are also available as part of the offer.
haz.de, spiegel.de (in German)
This article was first published by Florian Treiß for Ev Authority’s German edition.
