Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is considering relocating all or part of its ID. Buzz production from its main plant in Hanover, Germany, to Poznan, Poland, according to local media reports and statements from the company. While VWCV has not officially confirmed the move, a spokesperson acknowledged that various scenarios are under review, with no final decision yet reached.
The Hanover plant has been manufacturing the ID. Buzz, including its long-wheelbase and all-wheel-drive GTX variants, alongside the T7 Multivan since mid-2024. However, lower-than-expected demand for the ID. Buzz has raised concerns. In the first half of 2024, fewer than 15,000 units of the electric van were delivered—well below the original target of 130,000 vehicles annually. This underperformance has left the plant operating at reduced capacity, with production limited to two daytime shifts since the summer.
The situation is compounded by broader changes in Volkswagen’s production strategy. With the discontinuation of the T6.1 van, the Hanover plant’s role has narrowed, focusing on passenger versions of the ID. Buzz and the T7 Multivan. Future commercial vehicle production is planned for Turkey in partnership with Ford, further reducing Hanover’s workload. Plans to manufacture other Group models, such as luxury electric vehicles for Bentley and Audi, were also shelved.
A partial or complete relocation of the ID. Buzz production could have significant implications for Hanover, where the plant’s underutilization has become a pressing issue. Reports of potential plant closures across Germany have added to employee concerns as Volkswagen prepares for its fourth round of collective bargaining. If the ID. Buzz production is scaled back in Hanover, the viability of continuing operations at the plant with its remaining limited output will likely face scrutiny.
Source: haz.de
