Volkswagen Group to Cut 19,000 Jobs in Germany as Auto Industry Faces Historic Contraction

Volkswagen Group plans to cut approximately 19,000 jobs in Germany in 2026, with cumulative layoffs exceeding 28,000 by 2030. The massive restructuring follows a 50% plunge in operating profit and a 20% collapse in China sales. German automaking is confronting a triple squeeze of high energy costs, massive EV transition investments, and a reshaped global competitive landscape.