Volkswagen eyes up to 100,000 global layoffs as profits slide
An extra 50,000 jobs are still under review, after the group already agreed to cut 50,000 positions by 2030.
Volkswagen is weighing possible cuts of up to 100,000 jobs globally after an internal memo from CEO Oliver Blume indicated an additional 50,000 positions beyond the 50,000 reductions already agreed. Blume wrote the group faces a cost competitiveness gap of about 20 percent versus rivals, so savings must be broadened across brands, companies and regions. Pressure is coming from falling profits and sales, especially in China and the United States. According to BBC, the group's operating profit fell from 22.6 billion euro in 2023 to 19.1 billion euro in 2024, then 8.9 billion euro in 2025. Volkswagen had also previously discussed closing up to four plants in Germany, including electric vehicle facilities in Zwickau and Emden.