Volkswagen plans up to 140,000 job cuts in Germany amid €50 bn cost‑saving drive

A report in the German tabloid Bild alleges that Volkswagen is preparing a sweeping restructuring programme aimed at saving €50 billion by 2031. The plan would cut up to 140,000 jobs across the group, targeting technical development, production and administrative units, and would reduce senior management posts from about 21,500 to 16,000. Specific German sites – Emden, Zwickau, Hannover and Neckarsulm – are said to be at risk of losing new model assignments, raising concerns for the local economies.

The women’s association Courage issued a solidarity resolution warning that “100,000 jobs and four plants in Germany could be wiped out,” urging workers to organise and defend their positions. The potential cuts would affect not only factory workers but also suppliers and regional businesses dependent on the plants. Volkswagen has not confirmed the details, and the supervisory board is scheduled to discuss the proposals on 9 July.