Posted on 10/23/2025 7:49:25 AM PDT by Red Badger
It seems Volkswagen is having a tough time selling its latest passenger vans, the ID. Buzz and Multivan. According to German media, VW's historic Hanover plant, the home of the iconic Microbus, has been paused for the period October 20-24.
A company spokesperson told Germany's DPA press agency that the pause will allow VW to adapt production to “changed market conditions.” This follows the automaker already extending its summer shutdown at the plant by an extra week and reducing hours during September.
The spokesperson added that VW expects the current “intense competition” in the market for both electric vehicles and light commercial vans to continue in the coming months and is actively taking measures to help increase demand for the ID. Buzz and Multivan. Automotive News reported that these measures include increased marketing efforts and offering incentives.
ID. Buzz Falls Well Below Expectations
The fully electric ID. Buzz is the spiritual successor to the Microbus of the 1960s and 1970s, and VW was hopeful it would appeal to both older buyers seeking nostalgia and younger buyers looking for a fun, retro alternative to an SUV. However, a delayed launch, a starting price north of $60,000 in the US, and an underwhelming maximum range of just 234 miles meant it failed to ignite the market. Coupled with a slower-than-expected uptake of EVs, it’s easy to see why sales aren't meeting VW's expectations.
2025 VW ID Buzz US (2) Volkswagen Global sales of the ID. Buzz, including both passenger and commercial versions, were less than 30,000 units in 2024, with the US total coming in at only 1,162 units, although the electric van was only introduced midway through the year here. Sales in 2025 are expected to improve but not significantly.
Production capacity at the Hanover plant is around 130,000 vehicles annually, but demand for VW's other van built at the site, the Multivan, is also well below expectations. The Multivan is VW's passenger van available with internal-combustion engine and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. It is based on Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, shared with vehicles like the Golf and Atlas, but isn't sold in the US. While using the car-like MQB platform improved ride and comfort, the storage area isn't as flexible for upfitting, and payload and towing limits are lower than in the previous generation.
VW Transporter No Longer Built in Hannover Volkswagen Transporter T7 Green Front Angled View VanFleetWorld Traditionally, VW's Transporter commercial van and Multivan passenger van were based on the same dedicated van platform, allowing both models to share a robust chassis, high load capacity, and flexible interior layouts, as well as a production line. This common architecture enabled VW to efficiently serve both commercial and private buyers while maintaining the durability and versatility that made the Transporter and Multivan icons in their respective segments.
For the latest generation, the Transporter was co-developed with Ford’s Transit Custom to reduce costs. Its production was also moved to a Ford plant in Türkiye. VW continued to sell the previous-generation Transporter built in Hannover alongside the new model but ended production of the older van in 2024.
Shame to see car makers still pi$$ing away money on EV’s
C’mon VW, it’s electric! Gimme a break.
It’s not because people don’t WANT them. It’s simply too expensive.
Now if was Gas or Diesel you have sold 30 or 40 ,LOL
I was interested in the bus, but it was so cavernous on the inside that I felt like I had nothing to hang onto while driving.
It has a huge wide sill when you step in, and the window frame is so far from the driver’s seat that you couldn’t rest your elbow on it unless you were about 7 ft tall.
Too bad, because I’m a big VW fan.
To old hippies.................
so they didn’t add a recording of the motor sounds of the Real one ,LOL
“The fully electric ID. Buzz ..., a starting price north of $60,000 in the US, and an underwhelming maximum range of just 234 miles ....
There are your main three problems right there, VW. I know it’s a novel thought but you might want to investigate what potential buyers want before you start building new models.
Yep. Throw a 150 HP four-banger in the back and I might be interested.
“The fully electric ID. Buzz...”
I wish there were a way to ‘short’ the introduction of hyped-up EVs.
Looks nice.
Said to myself, “I’d buy one!”
Then I saw “fully electric”.
No sale.
Hybrid?
Yes.
All EV... no.
They, and all the other mfrs, were coerced by the Obama then Biden administrations to go full tilt into building EVs of every shape and size.
“Build them and we will give you subsidies and tax credits.” they said.
SUCKERS!.....................
I would sure like to have my old 69 VW van back, a drunk driver wiped it out as I was on my way to an 11 day solo backpack trip, the VW was made for that kind of laid back lifestyle.
From what I’ve heard VW van/bus problems are that its much too expensive, its ugly, and not in a good way, and the electric thing has a short range.
$60,000. Limited range camper van.
I would hope the rust prevention is better than the original.
1978 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon
1978 Volkswagon VW Transporter Passenger Bus
TheGildedGypsies
(3829)
100% positiveSeller’s other itemsSeller’s other itemsContact seller
US $33,995.00
Now you will get that oversized electric golf cart fanbois all upset.
Or a heater that used gasoline......
Hmmm. I wonder what the problem is?
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