Factory output paused

Volkswagen placed a temporary halt on production of its ID.Buzz electric minivan, pictured, and Multivan light commercial with decreasing demand prompting the company to scale back output.

Production of the two vehicles at its factory in Hanover, Germany, stopped from October 20-24 so the company could “flexibly adapt production processes to changed market conditions”, according to a spokesman.

“We expect intense competition to continue in coming months and are working consistently with sales partners to improve our market position.”

Volkswagen plans to step up marketing efforts and add incentives to boost demand for its light commercials.

It is cutting production capacity and staff in Germany in response to rising costs, weakening European demand and competition from Chinese brands.

The company has lowered production hours at German factories that build Volkswagen, Audi and Cupra battery-electric cars amid slower-than-expected demand for EVs.