It has been reported that Volkswagen is cutting EV production at its two German plants. While the automaker disclosed the reason as slow demand. Recently, it has been reported by the German newspaper Automobilwoche. They revealed that Volkswagen was pausing EV production at its Dresden facility in Germany. Volkswagen’s Dresden facility has been built over 150,000 VW Phaeton, e-Golf, ID.3, and Bentley Flying Spur models. And they started production in 2002. While, last year, approx 6,500 ID.3 EVs were built at the location.
Also, the automaker will suspend ID.3 production for a short time in respective plants. The pause is for two weeks during the Saxon autumn holidays. From October 16, the electric car will be built again in the same regular single-shift operation.
On the other hand, at Dresden’s facility, there are some 300 employees who will be reassigned to some other areas, including “innovative manufacturing and testing.”
Whereas, at Volkswagen’s primary BEV plant in Zwichau. Out of two, one of the production lines will shut down during the holidays, as reported by a spokesperson. The news came to notice after VW disclosed at a staff meeting ahead of this month that it would going to cut 269 temporary jobs.
Volkswagen’s ID.3 and Cupra Born will be affected by the pause
At the same time, both Volkswagen’s ID.3 and Cupra Born will be affected by the halt. The models including ID.4, ID.5, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Audi Q4 sportback e-tron will keep its regular production in three shifts. Meanwhile, the automaker is in conversation with local labor reps about the matter to proceed with EV production at the Zwickau plant.
However, currently, it’s not being disclosed by the company how many units or employees would be affected by these alterations. Presently, Volkswagen is fighting to attract new EV orders due to higher inflation and the removal of subsidies in Europe. At the same time, Europe’s biggest automaker also feels a growing risk from more advanced EV competitors including Tesla and BYD.