Elisabeth Kaiser (SPD), the Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany, has warned the Volkswagen Group against closing the plant in Zwickau. “I expect the VW Executive Board to provide a clear vision for the future of the four VW plants in question,” Kaiser said ahead of a supervisory board meeting to discuss the planned cost-cutting measures.
With regard to eastern Germany, there must not be a massive job loss. “The consequences of a plant closure in Zwickau would be disastrous. This would deal a blow to the entire eastern German automotive industry, which is a key driver of innovation.” The discussion is already causing enormous uncertainty in the region, Kaiser told the “Leipziger Volkszeitung” and the “Sächsische Zeitung.”
The VW supervisory board is discussing further cost-cutting measures today. According to “Manager Magazin,” up to 100,000 jobs could be cut worldwide—twice as many as previously planned. Four VW Group plants in Germany are reportedly even facing closure: Hanover, Emden, Zwickau, and Neckarsulm.
