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

Volkswagen AG is preparing a restructuring that could eliminate up to 100,000 jobs worldwide, roughly double the 50,000 positions previously targeted for cuts by 2030. The plan foresees the possible shutdown of four German production sites – the Volkswagen factories in Hanover, Zwickau and Emden, and the Audi plant in Neckarsulm – putting more than 45,000 jobs at risk in addition to the 50,000 jobs already slated for elimination.

The measures are being driven by a combination of falling demand, high energy costs, U.S. tariffs and intensifying competition from Chinese electric‑vehicle manufacturers. The company also intends to cut investment by about 15% over the next five years and is studying a split of the Volkswagen brand and its component division into separate entities. A supervisory‑board meeting on 9 July will decide whether to adopt the proposals.

German unions, especially IG Metall, have warned they will resist any plant closures or further layoffs, citing a job‑security guarantee that runs until the end of 2030 for workers at the affected sites.