Niedersachsen: Ministerpräsident kritisiert VW‑Vorstand – „Größe von VW ist Stärke“

Niedersachsen's Ministerpräsident Olaf Lies criticized Volkswagen's CEO, Oliver Blume, for his cost-cutting measures. "To say Volkswagen is too big is the first mistake," Lies told Deutschlandfunk on Tuesday. The size and strength of Volkswagen is an international asset, he emphasized. Lies also rejected the proposed factory closures proposed by the board, stating that the focus is not on factory closures.

The board should present concepts on how to better utilize the capacity at existing locations, through more attractive vehicles and additions. He mentioned armaments production as an example. Three weeks before the Lower Saxony municipal elections, Lies called for a changed mindset towards the reforms. He acknowledged that the company is in an "extremely difficult time," especially in the Chinese market.

"Where are further growth opportunities that can secure and stabilize employment at locations?" Lies asked. Lies highlighted that Volkswagen is a market leader in Europe for electric vehicles. "We are well positioned here and we need to use the growth potential of the growing e-mobility market, of course." Lies also called for more import tariffs.

Despite accusing the state of blocking Blume's proposals, Lies praised the board for agreeing with some of his suggestions, such as better utilization of synergies between different brands and reducing the variability of vehicles and their equipment. Lies emphasized that it is the task of the board to reduce the number of steering wheels and seat variants. He reiterated his demand for EU import tariffs on hybrid vehicles as well as electric cars.