Volkswagen Temporarily Halts Production of the ID.Buzz and Multivan
In the first half of 2025, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles faced a slight decline in vehicle sales, with around 224,000 units sold worldwide, a decrease from the previous year's 231,000 units. However, the ID. Buzz saw a significant increase of almost 70 percent compared to the previous year, thanks to new variants like Cargo, GTX, and Pure.
The decline in sales can be attributed to the slow growth of electric light commercial vehicles, which is not meeting the expected growth rate in the stock market today. This trend is reflected in the European market, which is currently experiencing a decline. The ID. Buzz and Multivan, both manufactured at the Hannover plant, are among the vehicles affected by this trend.
To adjust production planning due to changed market demand, the Hannover plant, which is the headquarters of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and the centre of the legendary Bulli series, will have no production from October 13 to 25, 2025. The shutdown days will be compensated through the overtime accounts of the employees.
In an effort to improve their market share, Volkswagen is collaborating with various partners in the sustainable and circular economy sectors. This includes organisations of producer responsibility (PROs) united in the PRO Circularity Alliance, such as the German battery take-back system GRS Service GmbH and Reclay Holding GmbH. The alliance aims to develop common standards and improve efficiency in product lifecycle responsibility. Volkswagen's strategy also includes expanding their electric small car family, like the ID.Polo, targeting about 20% market share in electric small cars in Europe.
Despite the challenges, the order intake for the ID. Buzz was 42 percent higher than the previous year. Volkswagen is currently offering high discounts and low leasing rates for Transporter customers in Germany under the title "Macher Wochen" until September 30, 2025. The spokesperson expects a highly competitive situation in the markets in the coming months. Volkswagen's sales strategy is to strengthen market performance together with trading partners.
It's worth noting that the first half-year figures do not include sales data for the Multivan. The decline in the European market for light commercial vehicles is likely to persist in the coming months. The sales of electric light commercial vehicles are not meeting the expected growth rate in the stock market today, and the ID. Buzz and Multivan are experiencing low demand.
In conclusion, while Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles faced challenges in the first half of 2025, they are taking proactive steps to adapt to changing market conditions and improve their market share. The ID. Buzz saw significant growth, and the company is collaborating with various partners to develop common standards and improve efficiency in product lifecycle responsibility. Despite the decline in sales, the order intake for the ID. Buzz was 42 percent higher than the previous year. Volkswagen is offering incentives to Transporter customers in Germany and is working closely with trading partners to strengthen market performance.
Read also:
- International powers, including France, Germany, and the UK, advocate for the reinstatement of sanctions against Iran.
- Companies urged to combat employee resignation crisis, as per findings from the Addeco Group
- Republicans advocate Trump's domestic policy plans in Iowa, though some business owners remain skeptic
- International discussions on plastic waste management might be shaped by China pledging to reduce plastic production levels.
