WOLFSBURG, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Volkswagen is examining the possibility of cutting an additional 50,000 jobs across its worldwide operations. The total potential layoffs could reach 100,000, including those already agreed upon in Germany. CEO Oliver Blume informed staff that current estimates indicate another 50,000 positions may be affected across the company. Volkswagen has not yet approved a second wave of cuts or provided a regional breakdown. The timeline for these additional reductions remains undecided.
The existing German plan encompasses roughly 50,000 roles at Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and the software subsidiary CARIAD by 2030. Volkswagen AG itself accounts for 35,000 of these jobs. Binding agreements already ensure over 28,000 departures by the end of this decade. The company has relied on voluntary severance, partial retirement, and other negotiated measures. The current agreements distribute the layoffs over several years, involving multiple brands and business units.
At the end of 2025, Volkswagen employed 662,942 people globally, including staff at Chinese joint ventures. Germany accounted for 284,032 employees, while 378,910 worked in other regions. The total workforce was 2.4% below the 2024 figure. The active workforce numbered 628,893, with others in partial retirement or vocational training. The company has not specified which countries, factories, brands, or job categories might be impacted by the additional reductions under review.
Current agreements cover half of potential job cuts
The workforce review is part of a broader strategy presented to the supervisory board on July 9. The executive management outlined 12 initiatives and a target organizational structure for 2030. Volkswagen aims to reduce its model lineup by up to 50% and cut equipment options by as much as 75%. The group also set a goal of approximately 9 million vehicles in annual production capacity. Prior to the pandemic, Volkswagen invested in capacity for about 12 million cars and has since reduced this by 2 million.
The plan also addresses technology, software, factory efficiency, regional operations, investments, and management structures. Volkswagen indicated that digital tools, artificial intelligence, and shared services will enhance productivity in both development and administrative areas. The public presentation did not specify job numbers for each initiative, nor did it include a final list of locations or a schedule for the additional layoffs. CFO Arno Antlitz stated that existing programs no longer generate sufficient cost savings.
First-half global vehicle deliveries decline
Previous workforce and bargaining measures generated approximately 1 billion euros in sustainable cost savings during 2025. Volkswagen aims to achieve over 6 billion euros in annual net savings by 2030, including the reductions in production capacity already agreed upon. Factory costs at German sites decreased by more than 20% on average in 2025. These figures relate to ongoing measures, not a fully approved second global job-cut plan. IG Metall has opposed forced layoffs and factory closures.
In the first half of 2026, Volkswagen delivered 4.13 million vehicles worldwide, representing a 6% decrease from the previous year. Deliveries in China fell 26%, and those in North America declined 3.1%. Western Europe experienced a 3% increase, while South America grew by 8%. Battery electric vehicle deliveries reached 438,500, a 6% drop, although electric vehicle sales in Europe grew by 8%. Existing agreements cover around 50,000 layoffs, with Volkswagen still reviewing another 50,000 roles without a finalized plan.