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Volkswagen eyes up to 100,000 job cuts in global restructuring
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume told staff that administrative and support functions remain about 20 % more expensive than peers, prompting a theoretical need to cut an additional 50,000 jobs worldwide. Combined with the 50,000 positions already slated for elimination in Germany and among brands such as Audi and Porsche, the total could reach 100,000.
The company is also reviewing its product range, planning to halve the number of models and cut annual production capacity from roughly 12 million to 9 million vehicles. Four German plants – Emden, Hannover, Zwickau and Audi’s Neckarsulm site – are under evaluation for possible closure, though Blume says “intelligent solutions” are preferred.
The restructuring is driven by sharply lower profits, intense competition from Chinese electric‑vehicle makers, high tariff costs and rising energy expenses. Unions and regional authorities have pushed back on plant‑closure proposals, and the outcome will affect not only VW workers but also suppliers and related service sectors across Europe.