Analysis

Osnabrück – September 08, 2026 -- Volkswagen's cost-cutting program will not be enough to pull the automaker out of its crisis, according to Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management (CAM) in Bergisch Gladbach. "Savings alone will not save Volkswagen," Bratzel told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung (NOZ).

Bratzel says two plant closures would suffice, not four

While VW must cut costs "drastically and quickly" due to mounting overcapacity at its domestic plants, Bratzel called the planned closure of four German sites excessive. "Two locations should be enough," he said, adding that job cuts combined with longer working hours without pay compensation could help lower production costs.