Kommentar: Nur Volkswagen selbst kann Volkswagens Krise lösen
Der Konzern kennt seine Probleme – doch Vorstand, Betriebsrat und Eigentümer blockieren sich gegenseitig. Darüber freut sich am Ende vor allem einer: der Wettbewerb.
Volkswagen faces a multitude of challenges, with its business decreasing in China and Chinese manufacturers gaining ground in Europe. Despite selling electric cars, VW still generates insufficient profits, and Donald Trump's auto tariffs further erode the earnings of once-mighty brands like Audi and Porsche. The company's costs are high, its organization is complex, and four German plants have no guaranteed future in the coming decade.
While external factors play a role, Volkswagen's own shortcomings are the most formidable adversary.
Ahead of a crucial supervisory board meeting on Friday, there is no clear path to a restructuring compromise. The management, employees, and the state of Lower Saxony remain deeply divided. Consequently, the likelihood of a swift turnaround diminishes, while the prospects for an escalation at an extraordinary general meeting increase.
Legally, such an action would be permissible; however, it would be an admission of imprudence from an entrepreneurial standpoint. From an image perspective, it would tarnish Volkswagen's reputation. Despite the widespread acknowledgment among all stakeholders that the corporation needs to become cheaper, faster, and simpler, practical consensus remains elusive.
With 3.8% operating profit, VW's performance falls short of what is required for a vehicle manufacturer investing billions in software, batteries, new models, and factories.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
