Autoindustrie: VW-Chef kommt nach Sachsen - Zwickau hofft auf China-Modelle
Am Automobilbau hängen in Sachsen Zehntausende Jobs, doch die Branche schwächelt. Vor allem um die Zukunft von Volkswagen in Zwickau wächst die Sorge. Bringt Konzernchef Blume nächste Woche Klarheit?
Volkswagen's CEO, Oliver Blume, is set to visit Zwickau this week to address concerns about job cuts and the uncertain future of the region's automotive industry. The plant, known for pioneering electric vehicles, has seen a decline in workforce from 11,000 to around 8,000 employees, with more job losses expected in the coming years. Blume, who has previously advocated for intelligent solutions rather than plant closures, hopes to present new strategies during his visit.
The plant, also home to the Glass Factory and the Motor Works in Chemnitz, faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness. While its productivity per vehicle is higher than in Eastern Europe, labor costs are greater. Blume and the regional economy's Minister, Dirk Panter, both recognize the need for innovation and flexibility, including the potential for a joint venture with Chinese manufacturers.
Zwickau's workforce, accustomed to long hours and flexible scheduling, remains open to further adjustments but worries that reducing work hours will lead to higher costs and job losses. The plant's current lack of full capacity is seen as an opportunity to reduce production costs and improve competitiveness, particularly in comparison to Volkswagen's factory in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
