VW Hanover plant marks 70 years with autonomous push

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is marking the 70th anniversary of its Hanover plant on 8 March, with pre-series production of the fully autonomous ID. Buzz AD now underway at the facility. The automaker said series production of the autonomous vehicle, which uses Mobileye technology, will begin in 2027—the first fully autonomous series-production vehicle in Europe.

The plant opened in 1956 to produce the T1 Transporter and will build its 11 millionth vehicle this year. It currently manufactures the ID. Buzz, ID. Buzz Cargo, and Multivan, with production of the California camper van set to be fully integrated into the main plant from summer 2026.

In a statement, Oliver Blume, Chair of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said: “The plant in Hanover represents a long-standing tradition combined with technological progress. It has successfully established itself as a centre for electric mobility while at the same time supporting all types of powertrains.”

Pre-series production of the autonomous ID. Buzz will ramp up to around 500 vehicles over the course of 2026 for projects in Europe and the US. The vehicles form part of Moia Turnkey Solution, an integrated autonomous mobility service from the Volkswagen Group subsidiary. Volkswagen Group Components is also expanding battery system production at the site, with capacity set to increase by 50% to supply four Group brands at seven locations. Around 13,000 people work at the Hanover facility.

Source: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles