The carmaker's supervisory board approved CEO Oliver Blume's restructuring plan on Thursday. A decision on possible plant closures was postponed.
On Thursday Oliver Blume presented the supervisory board with the most far-reaching corporate restructuring since the 2024 tariff compromise. The plans include sharper cost targets, leaner structures and further job cuts to maintain margins despite weak vehicle sales.
Hundreds of employees protested outside the brand headquarters in Wolfsburg with whistles and sirens. Works council chair Daniela Cavallo and IG Metall chair Christiane Benner warned of a "damn tough time" and prepared staff for conflict.
The most controversial questions on plant closures were initially postponed. Morale among the workforce is described as extremely poor as management cuts jobs to meet cost targets.
