{
  "id": 13862832,
  "title": "Volkswagen CEO makes 'China request' to EU after record layoffs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/volkswagen-ceo-makes-china-request-to-eu-after-record-layoffs",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-12T02:38:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/after-announcing-biggest-layoffs-in-volkswagens-history-ceo-of-europes-biggest-car-company-makes-china-request-to-eu-similar-to-what-ford-ceo-jim-farley-warned-us-about/articleshow/134881049.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Volkswagen's CEO, Oliver Blume, has urged European policymakers to create regulatory conditions to support the German automaker's extensive restructuring efforts. Speaking at the \"For Europe\" event during the Paris motor show, Blume urged the EU to protect local industries from competition by Chinese automakers.\n\nBlume emphasized that while companies must improve their competitive position and generate profitable opportunities, governments must also establish suitable operational conditions. He stated that the business community and policymakers share this responsibility.\n\nThis sentiment aligns with Ford CEO Jim Farley, who recently cautioned the US about the potential entry of Chinese automakers into the American market. Farley pointed to Europe as an example, suggesting the US should carefully consider how and whether to allow Chinese automakers in.\n\nVolkswagen is currently undergoing its largest restructuring in history, with the company announcing 100,000 job cuts, a record in the company's 89-year history. This comes after the European Union introduced tariffs on Chinese-made fully electric cars, and Chinese automakers have since expanded into combustion-engine models and plug-in hybrids. Chinese brands now account for over 26% of the Western European plug-in hybrid market, a significant increase from just 2.2% just two years ago.\n\nThe rapid growth of Chinese car companies in Europe has caused concern among European executives, who see this trend as a threat to the traditional automotive industry. Blume, along with other prominent figures in the German automotive sector, is advocating for stronger intervention from the EU to address this growing challenge.",
  "summary": "Volkswagen's CEO Oliver Blume has advocated for stronger European policies aimed at shielding local industries from the influx of low-cost competition from China. As the company undergoes vast restructuring, including potential layoffs and factory closures, he noted the importance of collaboration between businesses and policymakers to foster competitive landscapes. Despite EU tariffs on Chinese…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Qinwen Zheng makes history in winning China Open",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/qinwen-zheng-makes-history-in-winning-china-open",
        "published": "2026-10-12T00:17:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Zheng Qinwen pulls out of the Wuhan Open with a shoulder injury after her China Open win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/zheng-qinwen-pulls-out-of-the-wuhan-open-with-a-shoulder-injury-after",
        "published": "2026-10-12T03:54:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Zheng Qinwen pulls out of the Wuhan Open with a shoulder injury after her China Open win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/zheng-qinwen-pulls-out-of-the-wuhan-open-with-a-shoulder-injury-after-13869213",
        "published": "2026-10-12T03:59:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "China Open champ Zheng withdraws from Wuhan citing fatigue",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/china-open-champ-zheng-withdraws-from-wuhan-citing-fatigue",
        "published": "2026-10-12T04:40:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}