Volkswagen

Volkswagen is suspending the planned "Gamechanger" manufacturing project in its proposed form and is for now abandoning construction of a large-cast center in Wolfsburg, as all investments are being reviewed given the tense situation. Development of the SSP platform remains unchanged and the goal of making production more efficient still stands. The central works council sharply criticizes the decision, sees it as a breach of earlier collective agreements and threatens a veto against the planned relocation of Golf production to Mexico as long as there is no transparency on personnel and production effects. » More on n-tv.de

The Volkswagen Group has ended the planned Gamechanger project to introduce extensive large-casting manufacturing processes at its Wolfsburg main plant and will not build a large-casting centre. The works council and IG Metall criticize the decision as a breach of the December 2024 agreement and warn of a loss of technological leadership and negative consequences for sites and employment. VW cites strained earnings as the reason but stresses that the SSP platform and new models like the ID. Roc are to proceed as planned. Employee representatives have announced control measures and are considering, among other actions, blocking the transfer of the combustion-engine Golf to Mexico until the employment effects are clarified. » More on faz.net

Volkswagen cancels the "Gamechanger" manufacturing project in its previous form for cost reasons and is foregoing, among other things, a planned large casting center in Wolfsburg. Development of the electric SSP platform continues, and the company intends to make production more efficient going forward. VW group works council chair Daniela Cavallo criticizes the move as a breach of the collective agreement and fears losses in competitiveness for the home plant. The effects on staffing needs, production volumes and the planned relocation of Golf production to Mexico remain unclear. » More on manager-magazin.de

The Volkswagen brand reported a record October sales of more than 28,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs), an increase of around 347% compared with the same month last year. The rise is attributed in part to eleven NEV models introduced this year. VW aims to reach the top ten NEV brands in China by 2027 but remains well behind market leader BYD (250,301 NEVs in October). Despite the monthly gain, Volkswagen is suffering from fierce price competition from Chinese manufacturers and a decline in group deliveries in China of just over 30% in the first nine months. » More on manager-magazin.de

Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer is calling to spin off the VW plant in Zwickau into an independent company that can operate more competitively and cost-effectively. VW would remain the owner, while suppliers, employees and new partners should take stakes and the company could also manufacture vehicles for third parties. Kretschmer advocates concessions on working conditions coupled with tax-free severance payments and profit-sharing, criticizes VW's silence and demands transparent talks as well as stronger support from the federal government and IG Metall. » More on faz.net