Volkswagen Weighs Doubling Layoffs and Closing Four German Plants

Volkswagen is considering a major expansion of its cost-cutting plan, including doubling the number of jobs it would eliminate worldwide to 100,000 and closing four plants in Germany. The company had already announced a reduction of 50,000 positions as it struggles with a broader crisis.

The move comes amid intense competition from Chinese rivals and import tariffs imposed by the United States. According to the report, the plants under threat are in Hanover, Zwickau and Emden, as well as an Audi facility in Neckarsulm.

Under the proposed plan, production at these sites would be phased out gradually as the vehicle models built there reach the end of their life cycles. No final decision was reported, but the shutdowns would mark a significant escalation in Volkswagen’s restructuring efforts.