WOLFSBURG, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Volkswagen is evaluating the possibility of reducing up to 50,000 additional jobs across its global operations. The total potential figure, including already agreed-upon cuts in Germany, could reach 100,000. Chief Executive Oliver Blume informed employees that current estimates indicate another 50,000 positions could be eliminated throughout the group. Volkswagen has not yet approved a second round nor provided a regional breakdown. Additionally, no final timetable has been set for these further reductions.
The current German reduction plan encompasses approximately 50,000 roles at Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and the software subsidiary CARIAD by 2030. Volkswagen AG accounts for 35,000 of these jobs. Binding agreements already ensure over 28,000 departures before the end of the decade. The company has relied on voluntary exits, partial retirements, and other negotiated measures. The existing agreements distribute the job cuts over several years, spanning various brands and business units.
At the end of 2025, Volkswagen employed 662,942 individuals worldwide, including staff at Chinese joint ventures. Of these, 284,032 worked in Germany, with 378,910 employed elsewhere. The total workforce was 2.4% below the 2024 level. Active employees numbered 628,893, with others in partial retirement or vocational training. Volkswagen has not specified which countries, plants, brands, or job categories might be affected by the additional reductions currently under review.
Existing agreements account for half of the potential cuts
This workforce review coincides with a broader strategic plan presented to the supervisory board on July 9. The executive board outlined 12 initiatives and a target structure for 2030. Volkswagen intends to reduce its model lineup by up to 50% and cut equipment options by up to 75%. The group also aims for a cross-brand production capacity of approximately 9 million vehicles annually. Before the pandemic, Volkswagen had invested in capacity for about 12 million vehicles, but has since reduced this by 2 million.
The plan also addresses technology platforms, software, factory efficiency, regional operations, investments, and management structures. Volkswagen stated that digital tools, artificial intelligence, and shared services will enhance productivity in development and administrative functions. The public presentation did not specify job numbers linked to each initiative, nor did it include a final list of locations or a timeline for the additional reductions. CFO Arno Antlitz noted that current programs no longer deliver sufficient cost savings.
First-half global vehicle deliveries decrease
Previous workforce measures and negotiations generated approximately 1 billion euros in sustainable cost savings during 2025. Volkswagen aims for over 6 billion euros in annual net savings by 2030, which includes the reductions already agreed upon in production capacity. Factory costs at German sites declined by more than 20% on average in 2025. These figures relate to measures already in progress, not a fully approved second global job-cut program. IG Metall has opposed mandatory layoffs and factory closures.
During the first half of 2026, Volkswagen delivered 4.13 million vehicles worldwide, representing a 6% decrease from the previous year. Deliveries declined by 26% in China and 3.1% in North America. Conversely, Western Europe saw a 3% increase, and South America an 8% rise. Battery electric vehicle deliveries totaled 438,500, down 6%, although electric vehicle deliveries in Europe grew by 8%. Currently, existing agreements cover roughly 50,000 job cuts, while Volkswagen continues to review an additional 50,000 roles without a finalized plan for implementation.