Volkswagen stated on September 3, 2026, that four manufacturing plants are at risk of closure because a competitive future assignment cannot be guaranteed. ^[1] Volkswagen management and unions agreed on September 3, 2026, to cut an additional 50,000 jobs by the end of the decade, bringing total planned job losses to 100,000. ^[2] The total number of jobs to be eliminated will reach 100,000, marking the largest restructuring ever in the global automotive industry. ^[3] Volkswagen's board of directors approved a cost-cutting plan that reduces the workforce by 50,000 and phases out four German factories, including plants in Emden, Zwickau, Hannover, and Neckarsulm. ^[4] The four specific plants identified as being at risk are located in Emden, Zwickau, Hannover, and Neckarsulm. ^[5] Volkswagen reported that it cannot ensure a competitive reassignment for the Emden, Zwickau, Hannover, and Neckarsulm plants from the years 2031 to 2034. ^[6] The 100,000 job cuts represent the largest restructuring ever carried out in the global automotive industry, amounting to approximately 15% of the carmaker's worldwide staff. ^[7] The future of four German plants in Hannover, Emden, Zwickau, and Neckarsulm could not be assured into the 2030s, marking the first time Volkswagen has shuttered full-scale factories in its home country. ^[8] Volkswagen cited U.S. tariffs, patchy demand for electric cars, and fierce competition from China as the primary reasons for the restructuring. ^[9] Management and unions agreed that the future of four German plants in Hannover, Emden, Zwickau, and Neckarsulm is not guaranteed beyond the 2030s. ^[10] Oliver Blume, the executive chairman of Volkswagen, stated that the supervisory board approved the future plan unanimously, describing it as a firm signal for the future of the Group. ^[11] The board had rejected a similar plan in July, raising doubts about whether CEO Oliver Blume could push through the streamlining effort, given that employee representatives hold half the board seats. ^[12]