According to the claims, the plan prepared under the leadership of CEO Oliver Blume aims to significantly expand Volkswagen Group’s current cost-cutting program. It is stated that the existing program, which already foresees a reduction of 50,000 jobs by 2030, could be doubled to around 100,000 job cuts.
Future of four factories uncertain
Reports suggest that under the strategy allegedly prepared in cooperation with Boston Consulting Group, Volkswagen plants in Zwickau, Emden, and Hannover, as well as Audi’s facility in Neckarsulm, could face closure risks in the medium term.
It is also claimed that the plan includes restructuring Volkswagen’s core brand and its components division into independent companies, with the possibility of later listing them on capital markets.
Strong reaction from unions
Following the emergence of these claims, the Volkswagen Works Council and the IG Metall trade union issued a joint statement opposing the plans. The statement emphasized that any measures targeting workers’ rights and existing production facilities would be unacceptable, adding that they would use all legal and institutional means to block such steps.
Worker representatives also called on management to prioritize investment in new technologies, innovative products, and job security rather than cost-cutting policies.
Volkswagen’s cautious response
In a statement from Volkswagen, the company did not directly confirm the reported claims. A company spokesperson said that matters related to cost-saving programs are being reviewed by the relevant governing bodies, and that they cannot share details before decisions are finalized.
The spokesperson also noted that the company is working on a long-term transformation plan aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening technological cooperation within the group.
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