Volkswagen Board Approves Job Cuts Totaling 100,000 by 2030
Volkswagen's supervisory board has sanctioned a plan to reduce an additional 50,000 jobs, bringing the total job cuts to 100,000 by the year 2030.
By BBC News
Volkswagen's supervisory board has approved a plan to cut an additional 50,000 jobs, increasing the total number of planned reductions to 100,000 by 2030. This decision is part of a broader turnaround programme aimed at addressing the company's challenges.
The group, which encompasses brands such as Audi, Porsche, Skoda, and Volkswagen itself, has faced declining profits due to falling sales and intense competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. VW's chief executive, Oliver Blume, stated that the move serves as a "strong signal" for the company's future and reflects its commitment to managing its workforce responsibly.
In July, Blume indicated that the company was considering further job cuts beyond the initial 50,000 roles it announced in March. The restructuring is described as the most significant in Volkswagen's nearly 90-year history, necessitated by a fundamental adjustment of the global workforce to maintain competitiveness amid changing market demands and technological advancements.
Volkswagen is also evaluating the future of several plants, including those in Emden, Zwickau, Hanover, and Neckarsulm, where production capacity currently exceeds demand. The company is exploring alternative uses for these facilities.
As of 2025, Volkswagen employed over 660,000 individuals worldwide, with its portfolio including brands such as Seat, Bentley, and Lamborghini. The company has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly in the Chinese market, which was once a major source of sales. Additionally, sales in the United States have declined, partly due to tariffs on car imports imposed during the previous U.S. administration.
Christianne Benner, president of the industrial union IG Metall and deputy chair of VW's Supervisory Board, remarked that the company has worked diligently to find viable solutions to navigate this crisis situation.