Volkswagen will halt vehicle production at its electric car plant in Zwickau during the week after next, the company confirmed to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). The site builds five EV models on its MEB platform, including the VW ID.3, Cupra Born, ID.4, ID.5 and Audi Q4 e-tron.
The pause comes as the Zwickau plant faces a period of uncertainty following last year’s “Christmas Peace 2024” wage agreement, which included major model reallocations. Production of the ID.3 and Cupra Born is scheduled to move to Wolfsburg within two to three years, while the ID.4 will be consolidated in Emden. Volkswagen plans to discontinue the ID.5 due to weak demand, leaving the Audi Q4 e-tron as the only Zwickau-built model, alongside a planned recycling competence centre. Analysts say it remains unclear whether this will be sufficient to maintain full capacity, particularly as tariffs weigh on U.S. demand.
Discussions are also underway about halting production at Volkswagen’s Emden plant, which produces the ID.4 and ID.7 series. According to FAZ, no final decision has been taken, though Bloomberg cited insiders saying a temporary shutdown lasting “several days” is expected. Talks with the works council are ongoing.
Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle unit also confirmed that its Hanover site, where it builds the Multivan and ID. Buzz, will suspend operations for the Lower Saxony autumn holidays. The news comes as Stellantis announced production pauses at six European plants, reflecting broader pressures on the region’s auto industry as EV demand cools and competition intensifies.
