{
  "id": 27136,
  "title": "BMW to Volkswagen: How deep is Germany's auto industry cull?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/30/bmw-to-volkswagen-how-deep-is-germanys-auto-industry-cull",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-07-30T13:24:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW Business",
    "slug": "dw-business",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/bmw-to-volkswagen-how-deep-is-germany-s-auto-industry-cull/a-78168695?maca=en-rss-en-bus-2091-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a wave of layoffs across Germany's auto industry, BMW joins the ranks of major carmakers announcing significant job cuts. The Munich-based manufacturer plans to eliminate up to 8,000 positions globally, accounting for approximately 5% of its 154,000-strong workforce. The primary focus of these reductions is set to be in Germany, with the elimination of roles through natural staff turnover and a voluntary redundancy program. BMW has been grappling with the increasing competition from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, which has led to a sharp decline in its Chinese sales. Additionally, US President Donald Trump's tariffs and higher energy prices resulting from the Iran war have further impacted BMW's performance. In the second quarter, the company's net profit dropped by 35% to €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion), while revenue fell to €31 billion from €34 billion. Adjusting its guidance for the remainder of the year, BMW anticipates a significant profit decline. Meanwhile, Porsche announced plans to cut another 5,000 jobs in Germany by the end of 2035, representing roughly one-fifth of its workforce. The cuts will primarily affect Porsche's main production plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and its research and development center in Weissach. The sports performance brand is also deferring wage increases and linking performance bonuses more closely to profits. Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker, doubled its job-cull program, aiming to eliminate up to 100,000 positions and close four German factories. Despite facing rejection from unions and the German state of Lower Saxony, the company maintains a substantial workforce of nearly 41,800 employees, with approximately 85% based in Germany.",
  "summary": "BMW joins VW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz in cutting thousands of jobs, as Chinese rivals erode their market share. DW recaps the major reforms German automakers are pursuing to safeguard their future.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Business)",
        "title": "BMW to Volkswagen: How deep is Germany's auto industry cull?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/30/bmw-to-volkswagen-how-deep-is-germanys-auto-industry-cull-327967",
        "published": "2026-07-30T13:24:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}