TL;DRVolkswagen has confirmed it will cut its model lineup by up to half and shrink production capacity to nine million vehicles a year, as it fights the worst crisis in its history. But the official announcement gave no word on jobs, even as sources say CEO Oliver Blume wants to cut up to 100,000 posts and close four German plants. The plan triggered union protests and a supervisory-board clash on 9 July, opening what looks like a long and bitter fight.
Volkswagen has announced plans to gut its sprawling product range as it fights the worst crisis in its history. The carmaker will cut its model lineup by up to half over the coming years, CNBC reports.
The group will also shrink production capacity to nine million vehicles a year. That is well below the 12 million it once targeted before the pandemic.
Volkswagen currently offers around 150 model lines across brands including Porsche, Audi, and Skoda. So-called offering complexity, meaning the number of equipment and configuration options, will be cut by up to 75%.
Chief executive Oliver Blume framed the overhaul as a survival move. It is about “making the Volkswagen Group faster, more resilient and more competitive”, he said.
