BMW implements cost-cutting measures amid IT outage

BMW is implementing a cost-cutting program aimed at saving approximately one billion euros annually. The company plans to reduce its workforce through voluntary severance packages and natural attrition rather than compulsory redundancies. While some reports suggest up to 8,000 positions could be eliminated by the end of 2027, company representatives in Munich have characterized that specific figure as “viel zu hoch” (much too high).

The high interest in these severance offers caused a temporary IT outage on the company’s HR4Me platform, which was used to distribute links to personal offers. Although the portal experienced intermittent failures due to the surge in traffic, the issue has since been resolved.

In addition to economic restructuring, the company has faced scrutiny regarding its political stances. BMW reportedly withdrew a leasing contract extension for Tobias Rausch, the President of the State Parliament of Saxony-Anhalt and a member of the AfD party.