VW delays MEB production in Zwickau until April

Volkswagen’s electric car plant in Zwickau will not resume production until the beginning of April. The reason for this is the lack of cable harnesses from Ukraine, which could not be delivered due to Russia’s invasion of the neighbouring country.

This was stated by production director Christian Vollmer. Previously there had been talk of a production break at the VW plants in Zwickau and Dresden until at least 18 March. “Dresden will also remain closed at the beginning of April,” Vollmer added. Dresden refers to the Transparent Factory, where another MEB production scope started in January 2021 – but primarily for show purposes, as vehicles are also handed over to customers in the production hall.

As the MEB series production in Emden (ID. 4) and Hanover (ID.  Buzz) is not yet running (only the pre-series), Zwickau and Dresden are currently the only VW locations in Europe where the MEB vehicles are built.

What the extended production break in Zwickau means for the planned premiere of the ID. 5 is unclear. The electric SUV coupé, which is only built in Zwickau worldwide, was actually supposed to be delivered to customers from the first week of April. Due to the current situation, there could reportedly be delays here – but VW has not yet confirmed this.

In Emden, where the Passat is built in addition to the ID.4 pre-series, there should be no restrictions in the coming weeks. In Wolfsburg, where the Golf and Tiguan (including the PHEV versions) are built, production will also slowly restart on Monday, 21 March – but only with one shift for the time being.

According to Murat Aksel, who is responsible for purchasing on the VW board, suppliers from Ukraine will continue to deliver, but only to a reduced extent. In addition, VW is building up secondary locations in other regions, but wants to continue sourcing parts from Ukraine. “We support our suppliers and do not leave them in the lurch,” said Aksel.

automobilwoche.de (in German)