Volkswagen's Emden factory halts due to low demand for Passat amid shift to electric models

In the first two days of February, Volkswagen had to reluctantly put the Emden factory workforce on obligatory leave. These lost shifts are scheduled for recompensation in the latter half of the year, according to an agreement reached between the management and the works council.

The current lack of interest in the Passat model is the primary reason behind this. Production of the outgoing B8 generation in Emden is expected to continue until the end of March. Meanwhile, the new Passat, referred to as B9, which was developed under the direction of Skoda, is lined up to commence production in Bratislava within a few weeks. The production of the new Superb model was launched there at the beginning of December.

Alternatively, the Emden plant was expected to prioritise production of electric models. In August of the previous year, the production of the ID.7 commenced, though due to underwhelming interest for this new electric mid-size car, the factory is currently not operating at its maximum production limit. The assembly lines for ID.7 stand idle presently, much like those for the Passat. Additionally, the Emden plant also produces the ID.4 and Arteon models. The production of the latter is projected to conclude this year.

In November 2023, Volkswagen had been forced to restrict the production of its electric models at Zwickau and Emden due to a shortage of electric cars. Regardless, in December, it was announced by the company that due to a decline in demand for its electric models, contracts would not be renewed for over 700 temporary workers. Presently, around 8,000 individuals are employed at Emden. In 2022, approximately 146,000 cars were assembled (the data for 2023 is yet to be revealed).