Volkswagen

Under the “Future Plan 2030,” Volkswagen sees Seat as lacking a sufficient market position and is considering a phased wind-down of the brand by the end of 2029, without a final decision. Group-wide, VW plans to reduce brands and model diversity and instead prioritise the higher-margin sibling brand Cupra; Cupra is expected to reach up to 500,000–600,000 vehicles per year. The Martorell site is to be retained and from 2026 will produce the Cupra Raval and the VW ID. Polo, while Europe-wide production overcapacity and a corporate restructuring involving around 50,000 job cuts provide the broader context. » More on heise.de

Volkswagen is considering a strategic partnership with Indian conglomerate JSW Group to develop, manufacture and sell passenger cars in India. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India would contribute engineering and product expertise, while JSW would provide manufacturing capacity and implementation experience. The cooperation would complement JSW’s expansion of its automotive division and follows a trend of international manufacturers using India as a growth and production hub. » More on finanzen.net

After hours of negotiations, Volkswagen, the owning families, employee representatives and Lower Saxony agreed on a compromise to the 147-page rescue plan. A point of contention was the spin-off of the VW brand and the planned plant closures; the wording on the brand solution was softened and four plants will not be closed immediately but will be examined for alternative uses or potential buyers. As an example, the Osnabrück plant is to go to a financial investor and the state and will in future produce military goods. Manfred Döss did not take part in the talks; Hans-Dieter Pötsch and Oliver Blume received approval for their mediation and restructuring efforts. » More on wiwo.de