Thousands of Audi workers protested Wednesday against the possible closure of the German automaker's Neckarsulm plant, as parent company Volkswagen moves forward with a restructuring expected to involve tens of thousands of job cuts.
The protest came as rival premium carmaker BMW announced thousands of job cuts, the latest blow to employment in Germany's auto industry, where high costs, growing Chinese competition and U.S. tariffs are forcing painful restructuring.
"We are scared of factories closing and endangering our future," Audi worker Melih Cevlik said at the protest in Neckarsulm.
About 6,000 people took part, according to the works council.
Workers demanded clarity from Volkswagen, whose CEO Oliver Blume has warned Neckarsulm is among four German plants that could close after 2030 if no alternative solution is found.
