Volkswagen said it will halt production for one week in October at its commercial vehicles plant in Hannover, Germany, where it builds the all-electric ID. Buzz van and the combustion-engine Multivan. The pause will coincide with Lower Saxony’s autumn holidays.
The company attributed the decision to weaker demand for light commercial vehicles in Europe and slower-than-expected growth in electric vehicle sales. “The necessary flexibility to adapt production planning to changed market demand” was the reason given by a VW spokesperson, according to the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung.
Volkswagen has faced challenges with the ID. Buzz rollout, particularly in the United States. After its launch in autumn 2024, the first 5,000 units were recalled because the third-row seats were too wide and failed to meet safety standards. Deliveries were temporarily halted in July but later resumed.
Global deliveries of the ID. Buzz rose 70% in the first half of 2025 to 27,600 vehicles, with order intake climbing 42% year-on-year, according to reports. Despite the gains, volumes remain below expectations. Employee sources cited by the HAZ said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reduced its planned 2025 output at Hannover by about 21,000 units, covering both the ID. Buzz and the Multivan.
Volkswagen has already extended summer plant holidays from three to four weeks and resumed a 35-hour work week in September, after employees had temporarily worked longer hours under a special arrangement.
To stimulate demand, the brand is promoting a “Maker Month” campaign offering special leasing conditions for the ID. Buzz, the Ford Otosan-built e-Transporter, and selected combustion-engine models.