Volkswagen board meets over proposed factory closures and job cuts
Volkswagen's supervisory board met in Wolfsburg to consider CEO Oliver Blume's plan for what sources say could be the group's largest restructuring, including the possible closure of four German plants — Hanover, Emden, Zwickau and Audi's Neckarsulm — and as many as 100,000 job cuts. The move responds to high costs, excess domestic plant capacity, growing Chinese competition and US import tariffs. Owner families, unions and Lower Saxony's state government all have board representation, complicating decisions; unions rallied workers at about 20 sites while utilisation forecasts show German plant capacity falling through 2030.
Volkswagen may close four German plants and cut 100,000 jobs.
Context
Volkswagen has faced rising costs and excess plant capacity. The group also faces Chinese competition and US tariffs. The board meeting could approve closures or force alternative uses and further talks with unions.
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