Volkswagen, a cornerstone of German automotive prowess, faces turbulent times amid a broader industry crisis. The company plans to shut down at least three plants in Germany and cut thousands of jobs, a move that has sparked protests and strikes led by the IG Metall union. These developments come as part of Volkswagen's strategy to save ten billion euros by 2026 to bolster competitiveness in a challenging global market.
The crisis is exacerbated by declining vehicle sales in Europe, notably down by two million units from pre-pandemic levels. This downturn is compounded by underutilization of production facilities, with many plants operating below the profitable threshold of 80% capacity. Such challenges are not unique to Volkswagen, as other major German automakers like BMW and Mercedes are also revising their sales forecasts.
The high cost of labor in Germany further complicates matters. In 2023, labor costs reached over 62 euros per hour, significantly higher than in Spain or Eastern Europe. Volkswagen has been particularly affected, given its unique collective bargaining agreements that offer higher wages and job security.
Adding to the pressure, German automakers are losing ground in the electric vehicle market to Chinese competitors, who benefit from lower production costs and greater experience. This shift also marks a loss of technological advantage previously held in combustion engines.
Volkswagen's management has proposed a 10% wage cut, including for themselves, in response to these pressures, contrasting sharply with IG Metall's demands for a 7% wage increase. This conflict underscores the tension between maintaining competitiveness and meeting employee expectations in an evolving automotive landscape.
