Concerns About VW Plants — Cooperation with China Suggested

Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Dirk Panter (SPD), has called on VW management to work with Chinese manufacturers to ensure better capacity utilization at VW plants in Germany. He said during a visit to VW’s Zwickau plant that cars for the European market could be produced here in Germany with partners with whom Volkswagen already collaborates in China. “We’re open to ideas, but not to a fire sale.”

Employees—not just in Zwickau—are growing increasingly concerned about the future of their jobs. According to a report in “Manager Magazin,” the VW Group plans to intensify its cost-cutting measures. There is talk of 100,000 jobs worldwide being cut. In addition, four German plants are reportedly at risk of closure: in addition to Zwickau, the sites in Hanover, Emden, and Neckarsulm. 

Works Council: Produce the ID.9 Era in Zwickau

Volkswagen employees in Zwickau express their frustration. “We feel betrayed and sold out,” says one worker outside the factory gate. Many colleagues are growing increasingly anxious about the future. Works council member Mike Rösler highlighted the workforce’s high level of flexibility and dedication. They are currently working 39 hours per week—instead of the standard 35—through special shifts and extended shifts. If the vehicle plant were operating at full capacity, it could easily compete with production costs in the Czech Republic or Poland, Rösler explained. 

The works council also urged the company to bring models that have so far been built only in China to this location. As an example, Rösler cited the ID.9 Era SUV. “We can easily manufacture a model like that right here in Zwickau for our market.” Only electric cars are built in Zwickau. The plant currently employs about 8,000 people.