Volkswagen eyes up to 100,000 job cuts, flags closure of four German factories

Volkswagen is weighing a restructuring that could cut up to 100,000 positions worldwide, roughly 15% of its 660,000‑strong workforce. The plan, presented by CEO Oliver Blume to senior executives, includes the possible shutdown of four German plants – Hanover, Zwickau, Emden and the Audi facility in Neckarsulm – affecting more than 40,000 workers.

Local authorities in the Heilbronn‑Neckarsulm region have demanded rapid clarification, warning that the Audi plant employs about 15,000 people and supports numerous suppliers, a battery‑tech centre and light‑weight‑construction units. The district chief and the mayors of Heilbronn and Neckarsulm called the prospect a “horror scenario” and pledged political talks with state, federal and worker representatives.

Volkswagen’s works council says it has not received concrete numbers on any job reductions, while unions such as IG Metall have signalled strong opposition. The supervisory board is slated to discuss the proposal on 9 July.

Outside Germany, Volkswagen Brazil reiterates that no layoffs are planned in its South‑American operations, continuing a R$ 16 billion investment programme, and Vietnamese reports echo the global 100‑k‑job cut figure.