Volkswagen Group’s Supervisory Board has unanimously approved Future Plan 2030, a restructuring programme that targets a workforce adjustment of around 50,000 positions worldwide, a 50% smaller model portfolio by 2035 and a 9% operating margin by 2030. The plan also acknowledges more than 500,000 units of excess European production capacity and puts several plants under review.

Volkswagen expects annual sales of nine million vehicles under the plan and aims to cut model complexity by around 75%. Higher volumes per model are intended to reduce costs, while platforms, electronics, driver assistance and software will be tailored separately for Western and Eastern markets.

European production is a central pressure point. Volkswagen says future allocation for Emden, Zwickau, Hanover and Neckarsulm cannot currently be secured from 2031 to 2034, with alternative uses under assessment and a new production structure due by the end of June 2027.

The group also plans leaner leadership structures and a review of holdings that could reduce its investment portfolio by around one-third. North America will focus on the most profitable segments, while China plans assume slower market growth and more exports to the Global South.

The plan now moves into implementation, with brands, subsidiaries and employee representatives to negotiate measures where required. The Supervisory Board will remain involved as the Executive Board executes the programme.

Source: Volkswagen Group