Kriselnder Autobauer: VW-Markenchef kündigt Tempo bei laufendem Sparprogramm an

Thomas Schäfer, the Markenchef of Volkswagen, announced a faster pace in the ongoing cost-cutting program for the core brand. During a works meeting in Wolfsburg, Schäfer emphasized that they have no time to waste and will therefore intensify their performance program. He expressed disappointment that the 2024 agreed-upon measures were not sufficient and stressed that they would discuss the how with the works council regarding the upcoming job cuts.

The agreement at the end of 2024 had three priorities: reducing overcapacity at German sites, lowering labor costs, and bringing development costs to a competitive level. Schäfer noted that Volkswagen has made good progress in the brand. Around 16,300 layoffs have already taken place in Germany, with around 28,800 to 2030 being agreed upon in total.

The goal for Volkswagen in Germany is to have 35,000 fewer positions by 2030. Daniela Cavallo, the Works Council President, expects the cost-cutting efforts to become even more intense in the coming weeks. She feared that the reduction might be more severe than before. Cavallo acknowledged that Volkswagen's current profitability is almost gone.

She stated that while the bulk of their previous profit power is gone, that is the cold, hard truth. The automotive industry in Europe will undergo massive restructuring, with traditional manufacturers remaining on the sidelines, others merging, and yet more forming alliances they never thought they would. The question is not if new burdens will fall on the employees, but rather how to distribute them fairly and prevent a disadvantage for the workforce.

Cavallo also raised concerns about the plans of the management, including Oliver Blume, to cut around 50,000 jobs worldwide, with about half globally in Germany. It is unclear if such an extensive job reduction could be socially acceptable. Reducing early retirement and restructuring contracts alone would not suffice.