WOLFSBURG, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Volkswagen is evaluating the potential for an additional 50,000 job cuts across its international operations. The total possible reduction, including those already agreed upon in Germany, could reach 100,000. Chief Executive Oliver Blume informed staff that current estimates suggest another 50,000 roles could be eliminated throughout the group. Volkswagen has not approved a second phase of layoffs nor provided a regional breakdown. The company also has not established a definitive timeline for these potential workforce reductions.
The current German program plans to cut approximately 50,000 jobs at Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and the software unit CARIAD by 2030. Volkswagen AG is responsible for 35,000 of these positions. Binding agreements already secure more than 28,000 departures through 2030, relying on voluntary exits, partial retirements, and other negotiated measures. These reductions are scheduled over several years, spanning multiple brands and business divisions.
As of the end of 2025, Volkswagen employed 662,942 individuals worldwide, 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 level. Active employees numbered 628,893, with others in partial retirement or vocational training. Volkswagen has not disclosed which countries, plants, brands, or job categories may be affected by the additional cuts under review.
Current agreements cover half of the potential layoffs
The workforce review is part of a broader strategy presented to the supervisory board on July 9. The executive board outlined 12 initiatives and a target structure for 2030. Volkswagen aims to reduce its model lineup by up to 50% and cut equipment options by up to 75%. The group also set a goal to produce about 9 million vehicles annually, down from the pre-pandemic capacity of around 12 million, which has already been reduced by 2 million.
This plan also encompasses technology platforms, software, factory efficiency enhancements, regional operations, investments, and management structures. Volkswagen indicated that digital tools, artificial intelligence, and shared services will boost productivity in development and administrative functions. The public presentation did not specify exact job numbers linked to each initiative, nor did it provide a final list of locations or a schedule for the additional reductions. CFO Arno Antlitz noted that current programs are insufficient for achieving the desired cost savings.
First-half 2026 sees decline in global vehicle deliveries
Previous workforce and bargaining measures generated approximately 1 billion euros in sustainable cost reductions during 2025. Volkswagen aims for over 6 billion euros in annual net savings by 2030, which includes 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 measures already in progress and do not account for a fully approved second global job-cut program. IG Metall has opposed mandatory layoffs and factory closures.
In the first half of 2026, Volkswagen delivered 4.13 million vehicles worldwide, a 6% decline compared to the same period in 2025. Deliveries dropped 26% in China and 3.1% in North America. Western Europe experienced a 3% growth, while South America saw an 8% increase. Battery electric vehicle deliveries reached 438,500 units, down 6%, although electric vehicle deliveries in Europe increased by 8%. While existing agreements cover about 50,000 layoffs, Volkswagen continues to review an additional 50,000 roles without a finalized plan for implementation.