Amid declining demand for electric vehicles, Volkswagen refocused production of the VW ID.3, consolidating assembly exclusively at the Zwickau plant, thus canceling the planned launch in Wolfsburg. VW board member Christian Vollmer welcomed the decision, which was driven by profitability. Despite this repurposing, Volkswagen is maintaining plans for Wolfsburg, planning to produce an all-electric compact SUV from 2026, as it continues to transform the plant to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Production of the ID.3 continues at the Zwickau plant

Volkswagen has just made a strategic decision regarding its electric compact car, the VW ID.3. It was supposed to start production in Wolfsburg, but the German company eventually decided to consolidate production exclusively in Saxony. The announcement, made by VW spokespeople, comes amid a difficult market situation falling demand for electric cars. Originally planned to start in Wolfsburg this summer, Production of the ID.3 will be concentrated in Zwickauwhere the object is already fully equipped and functioning.
A member of VW’s production board, Christian Vollmer, cited profitability as the main driving force behind the decision. In an official statement, he emphasized the importance of prudent spending, saying: “Every euro we don’t spend counts. For this reason, we have decided to continue the volume consolidation of ID.3 in Zwickau and make efficient use of the already fully equipped location. » The move is seen as good news for the Zwickau plant.

Volkswagen has plans for Wolfsburg

Low demand for VW electric cars, particularly the ID.3, has led to reduction of teams at the Zwickau plant from mid-2023. After canceling the launch of the ID.3 in Wolfsburg, the plant will not produce electric cars in the near future. Vollmer assured that the focus will remain on the production of the Golf and Tiguan, ensuring a constant workload at the plant. He expressed confidence that the Wolfsburg plant is on track to exceed the production milestone of 500,000 vehicles in 2024 for the first time in many years.
Despite curtailed production of the ID.3, the transformation of the EV plant in Wolfsburg will continue. From 2026, the plant will produce an all-electric compact SUV, according to VW’s decision in the fall of 2023. In addition, plans include production of a new electric version of the Golf later in Wolfsburg.