VW weighs up to 100,000 job cuts, four plant closures in biggest overhaul yet, sources say

Volkswagen is weighing a major restructuring that, if approved, would represent its largest overhaul yet: job cuts of up to 100,000 and the closure of four plants in Germany. The reported plan would include three Volkswagen sites—Hanover, Zwickau, and Emden—and one Audi facility in Neckarsulm, which together employ more than 45,000 workers.

The restructuring comes after an earlier union agreement reached late in 2024 that targeted eliminating around 50,000 positions. Sources say the new figures—if implemented—could push the overall reduction to roughly twice that amount. A formal discussion within Volkswagen’s supervisory board is expected, with the company’s top leadership also said to have briefed internal stakeholders ahead of that meeting.

Labor opposition is expected to be significant. Volkswagen’s works council and IG Metall have warned that if such plans proceed, they would do everything they can to prevent them. Volkswagen has not publicly confirmed the specifics of the reports, but said the group—and its brands and subsidiaries—needs “far-reaching change” as it seeks to align production and costs with demand.

The move is also tied to broader financial and competitive pressures on the automaker, including the need to adjust investment spending and restructure parts of the business for efficiency. Investors and analysts are watching closely because Volkswagen’s reported earnings pressure and weak share performance have made the stakes of the restructuring especially high.