Kretschmer: No Decision on VW Plants on Friday

Following reports that car production at four German VW and Audi plants will end after 2030, Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer has urged people to “keep their cool.” “There won’t be a decision on this matter on Friday either,” the CDU politician said in a video statement on Facebook. Referring to the affected electric-car factory in Zwickau, he added: “Here in Zwickau-Mosel, the facts are squarely on our side. We are the most efficient plant.”

Kretschmer: “very disheartening rumors”

He describes the latest news as “very disheartening rumors.” The newspaper “Wirtschaftswoche” reports on a document from the VW Executive Board to the Supervisory Board, according to which production is set to end in Emden and Zwickau in 2031, at the Hanover plant in 2032, and at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm in 2034. The board is scheduled to meet later this week. 

“We haven’t yet reached the point where a decision will be made on what the future really holds for Volkswagen,” Kretschmer assures. Last week, he met in Dresden with Group CEO Oliver Blume and VW Supervisory Board Chairman Hans Dieter Pötsch for talks.

The employees knew what was at stake. “My discussions with IG Metall, with the works council chair, and with the executive board have all led to the conclusion that we need to take action, that we need to stand united—not only with federal policymakers but also here in our own plants,” says Kretschmer. “In that regard, we now need a shared sense of confidence. We’re sticking together.”

Thousands in Zwickau fear for their jobs

The car plant in Zwickau, which currently employs around 8,000 people, is a pioneer at Volkswagen in the production of electric cars. In addition, a new pillar in the field of the circular economy is being established here. There is a contractually agreed-upon site and employment guarantee in place through the end of 2030. “We must promote our location based on our proven success model,” emphasizes Kretschmer. “And then, I am certain, we will have a good chance that the cradle of the automotive industry in Zwickau-Mosel will remain a strong hub for automotive production in the coming decades.”