Volkswagen Plans to Close at Least 3 German Plants Soon
- Volkswagen has communicated plans to close at least three plants in Germany amid recent financial challenges.
- The decision affects all VW facilities, prompting concerns over job security for approximately 120,000 employees.
- The automobile industry is facing stiff competition, particularly from affordable electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers.
In Germany, Volkswagen's works council has announced intentions to close at least three of its facilities amidst a challenging automotive landscape. Daniela Cavallo, the head of the works council, conveyed this message during a meeting at the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg. The plans affect all VW plants in Germany, raising concerns about job security, as the company is facing increased competition from cheaper electric vehicles, specifically from Chinese manufacturers. Volkswagen recently indicated that it may have to abandon a long-standing job protection pledge due to shifting market dynamics and cost-saving pressures. This revelation comes on the heels of disappointing financial forecasts, as the company projected it would not meet its goal of saving 10 billion euros by 2026. The industrial union IG Metall criticized VW’s closure plans, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions and meaningful negotiations to protect jobs and the future of manufacturing in Germany. As negotiations are expected to resume, there are calls for a focus on restoring competitiveness rather than implementing drastic cuts, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the automaker's future actions.