Volkswagen plans to cut 100,000 jobs by 2030 in major restructuring
Quick Look
Volkswagen will cut another 50,000 jobs by 2030, bringing total planned job reductions to 100,000 by the end of the decade as part of its biggest restructuring in nearly 90 years to address weaker sales, falling profits, and competition from Chinese EV makers.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Volkswagen had already announced in March plans to cut 50,000 jobs by 2030. The latest approval by the supervisory board doubles the total planned job reductions to 100,000 as part of its biggest restructuring in nearly 90 years.
The latest cuts will take Volkswagen’s planned job reductions to 100,000 by 2030.
German carmaker Volkswagen is set to cut another 50,000 jobs by 2030 as part of its biggest restructuring in almost 90 years, taking the total number of positions it plans to eliminate by the end of the decade to 100,000. Volkswagen, one of the world's largest carmakers, owns brands including Audi, Porsche, Skoda, Seat, Bentley and Lamborghini. The group has been grappling with weaker sales, falling profits and intensifying competition, particularly from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. The company's supervisory board approved the latest workforce reduction plan on Thursday. Volkswagen had already announced in March that it would cut 50,000 jobs by 2030. "A fundamental adjustment of the global workforce capability is necessary" to protect the company's competitiveness amid changing demand and rapid technological shifts, Volkswagen said, as quoted by BBC. The company said the latest round of restructuring would involve "approximately 50,000 positions - including management roles". It also plans to focus on its "most compelling vehicles" and increase production volumes for each model in an effort to reduce costs. Volkswagen chief executive Oliver Blume described the decision as a "strong signal" for the company's future, saying it was "taking responsibility for our entire workforce". Blume had told the BBC in July that Volkswagen was considering further job cuts. The carmaker is also reviewing the future of four German plants in Emden, Zwickau, Hanover and Neckarsulm, where production capacity currently exceeds demand. "Alternative uses for these plants are being assessed," Volkswagen said. The restructuring comes as Volkswagen seeks to restore profitability and remain competitive in a rapidly changing global auto industry. The group employed more than 660,000 people worldwide in 2025. Christianne Benner, president of Europe's largest industrial union IG Metall and deputy chair of Volkswagen's Supervisory Board, said the carmaker had "fought hard for good solutions" to address what she described as a "crisis situation".
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Volkswagen will implement the additional 50,000 job cuts by 2030 as approved by the supervisory board
Very likely · Within years
Volkswagen will increase production volumes for its 'most compelling vehicles' to reduce costs
Likely · Within years
Open Questions
- Which specific job roles will be affected beyond management positions?
- What timeline will be used for implementing the additional 50,000 job cuts?
- How will Volkswagen support affected employees through retraining or severance?
- What are the specific 'alternative uses' being considered for the four German plants under review?
