The Volkswagen Group has revealed that production of the electric ID.3 and its sibling, the Cupra Born, will be suspended for the first two weeks of October due to declining demand for the two models.
A spokesperson from the car manufacturer has revealed that the current market situation has prompted VW to instate a production pause from October 2 to October 13 at the Zwickau factory that assembles both the ID.3 and the Born. VW’s factory in Dresden also builds the ID.3 and production there will be suspended from October 2 through to October 16.
It is not yet clear how many units of production VW will lose through the pause in manufacturing. Reuters notes that the firm has declined to reveal how many employees will be affected by the production halt.
Read: Facelifted Cupra Born Ready To Crib ID.3’s LCI Upgrades Including Dual-Motor Setup
Interestingly, it recently emerged that VW is planning to completely cease production at its Dresden factory. The facility has been operating since 2002 and while it is not yet clear when manufacturing there will end, it is understood that closing the plant could save VW as much as €20 million ($21 million) per year.
Workers at VW’s Zwickau factory have also been impacted by changing market conditions as of late. The brand recently announced that it will not be able to make right on its plan to offer 269 permanent contracts to temporary workers. VW explained the decision by blaming tough market conditions, a reduction in demand for EVs, and increased competition from Chinese-made EVs.
VW recently updated the ID.3 and a refreshed Cupra Born is in the works. Our spy photographers snapped the facelifted Born being put through its paces in July. The new model will receive a larger 12.9-inch display and also get the option of a dual-motor powertrain.
