Volkswagen restarts electric minivan exports to US

German auto giant Volkswagen said Tuesday it had resumed shipments of its electic minivan ID. Buzz to the United States after a temporary pause due to a technical issue.

"A cargo ship carrying electric ID. Buzz vehicles left the port of Emden (Germany) on Saturday bound for the United States," Volkswagen commercial vehicles spokesman Tobias Riepe told AFP.

Volkswagen halted exports of the battery-powered camper to North America last week due to a recall by US officials.

The rear seats in the vehicle, which is manufactured in the German city of Hanover, were too wide for the automotive authorities in the United States.

The latest shipment of minivans would be brought in line with US specifications on arrival before being delivered to dealerships, Riepe said.

Volkswagen harboured high hopes in the US market for the ID. Buzz, inspired by the carmaker's iconic campers of the 60s and 70s.

Since the electric model launched in 2024, some 3,800 units have been sold in the North American market.

German media had speculated that auto tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump were also behind the decision to pause deliveries of the ID. Buzz.

Trump has imposed a 25-percent duty on auto imports into the United States, putting pressure on foreign auto manufacturers.