[Germany] Board approves further 50,000 job cuts at Volkswagen

In Germany, the board of car giant Volkswagen has approved a plan to cut another 50,000 jobs as part of the biggest restructuring in the group's near nine-decade history, BBC News reports.

The forthcoming cuts bring the total number of employees the carmaker intends to lay off by 2030 to 100,000. In March, the group announced plans to cull 50,000 roles.

The group - which comprises Audi, Porsche and Skoda together with the VW brand - is also reportedly considering the future of four of its German plants.

In a September 3 statement, VW's chief executive Oliver Blume described the move as a "strong signal" for the future of the firm, "taking responsibility for our entire workforce."

In July, Blume confirmed that the firm was looking to make the additional cuts.

It also reportedly said that by 2035 it would cut the number of models it produces by 50 per cent and reduce the complexity of its offering by 75 per cent.

In addition, VW will prioritise the "most compelling vehicles" and make more of each model, which will help lower costs, it said.

It stated that a "fundamental adjustment of the global workforce capability is necessary" to safeguard the competitiveness of the company, which faces shifting demand and technological change. Adding that "a group-wide workforce adjustment of approximately 50,000 positions - including management roles - will be necessary."

According to BBC News, the company is also weighing options for operations in Emden, Zwickau, Hanover and Neckarsulm, where it has said production capacity exceeds demand.

"Alternative uses for these plants are being assessed," it said.

VW employed more than 660,000 people worldwide, as of 2025, at brands including Seat, Bentley and Lamborghini.

Christianne Benner - president of Europe's largest industrial union IG Metall and deputy chair of VW's Supervisory Board - stated that the carmaker had "fought hard for good solutions" to address a "crisis situation".

Source: BBC News

(Link and quotes via original reporting)

In Germany, the board of car giant Volkswagen has approved a plan to cut another 50,000 jobs as part of the biggest restructuring in the group's near nine-decade history, BBC News reports.

The forthcoming cuts bring the total number of employees the carmaker intends to lay off by 2030 to 100,000. In March, the group announced plans to cull 50,000 roles.

The group - which comprises Audi, Porsche and Skoda together with the VW brand - is also reportedly considering the future of four of its German plants.

In a September 3 statement, VW's chief executive Oliver Blume described the move as a "strong signal" for the future of the firm, "taking responsibility for our entire workforce."

In July, Blume confirmed that the firm was looking to make the additional cuts.

It also reportedly said that by 2035 it would cut the number of models it produces by 50 per cent and reduce the complexity of its offering by 75 per cent.

In addition, VW will prioritise the "most compelling vehicles" and make more of each model, which will help lower costs, it said.

It stated that a "fundamental adjustment of the global workforce capability is necessary" to safeguard the competitiveness of the company, which faces shifting demand and technological change. Adding that "a group-wide workforce adjustment of approximately 50,000 positions - including management roles - will be necessary."

According to BBC News, the company is also weighing options for operations in Emden, Zwickau, Hanover and Neckarsulm, where it has said production capacity exceeds demand.

"Alternative uses for these plants are being assessed," it said.

VW employed more than 660,000 people worldwide, as of 2025, at brands including Seat, Bentley and Lamborghini.

Christianne Benner - president of Europe's largest industrial union IG Metall and deputy chair of VW's Supervisory Board - stated that the carmaker had "fought hard for good solutions" to address a "crisis situation".

Source: BBC News

(Link and quotes via original reporting)