Volkswagen plans up to 100,000 job cuts and closure of four German plants by 2030

Volkswagen’s supervisory board is set to meet on 9 July to decide on a sweeping restructuring dubbed “Zielbild 2030”. The plan calls for cutting up to 100,000 jobs worldwide and shutting four German factories – Hannover, Emden, Zwickau and Audi’s Neckarsulm plant – as the group seeks to boost competitiveness and save more than €6 billion a year. The move would double the earlier target of 50,000 cuts announced for 2030 and may also trim investment spending by about 15 %.

The proposal faces strong opposition from unions, the state of Lower Saxony (which holds a veto‑share) and key shareholders such as Porsche SE. Analyst Matthias Schmidt warned, “He has to get this done. With the market becoming hyper‑competitive there is no other option.” CEO Oliver Blume must convince the board that the cuts are necessary to counter pressure from Chinese EV makers, rising tariffs in the United States and shrinking margins.

In parallel, the group is evaluating whether to sell Chinese‑designed models in Europe or even produce them at the Zwickau plant, underscoring the strategic dilemma of a German auto giant confronting a global shift toward cheaper, faster‑developed electric vehicles.