Volkswagen Could Close Four Plants and Cut Tens of Thousands of Jobs as Automaker Works on Rescue Plan

A document that reportedly details Volkswagen's plans for the next several years has surfaced online, outlining plant closures and sweeping job cuts.

Volkswagen's restructuring plans first came to light last year, when reports emerged that the company was considering closing two of its German assembly plants. New details about the automaker's financial recovery efforts have now surfaced in 2026. A 147-page document published by European media reportedly reveals previously undisclosed details of the restructuring program.

According to the document, Volkswagen plans to close four assembly plants in Germany, with operations expected to end between 2031 and 2034. The move comes as Volkswagen faces what could be the most severe financial crisis in its history. However, the document has reportedly not been formally approved, meaning the company could still revise its plans.

Volkswagen would reportedly shut down its German plants in stages. Production would first end at the company's facility in Zwickau, which currently builds the Volkswagen ID.5, Audi Q4 e-tron and other EVs. Around the same time, the Emden plant would also close. That facility currently produces the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.7.

Volkswagen's chief financial officer previously confirmed that production at the two plants could eventually end, arguing that the facilities have no viable financial future.

The automaker's Hanover plant, which specializes in vans, would close in 2032. The Neckarsulm facility, which builds the Audi A5, A6, A8 and e-tron GT, would follow in 2034.

Volkswagen points to sharply higher manufacturing costs in Germany as one of the key reasons behind the planned restructuring. The average cost of building a vehicle in Europe is currently about $3,300, according to the report. In Germany, that figure rises to roughly $7,600.

That means Volkswagen would need to cut manufacturing costs by about 50% within a year, something the company considers impossible under current conditions.

As a result, VW reportedly intends to shift some vehicle production to Eastern European countries. The report also identifies the Zuffenhausen plant, which builds Porsche models, and the Leipzig facility as being at risk.

The planned closures and restructuring could ultimately cost around 50,000 jobs in Germany alone, with a similar number potentially affected in other countries.

Volkswagen's management has been discussing plant closures for months. In July, the company's CEO reportedly brought the issue before the Supervisory Board, but the proposal was immediately rejected. The union later vowed to block any similar moves.

Another Supervisory Board meeting could take place on September 3-4, where the future of Volkswagen's German manufacturing operations may once again be discussed.