The trial of the former Volkswagen boss, which opened at the beginning of the week in Germany, continues today and will last several months. The case of diesel engines rigged to cheat pollutant emissions tests continues to weigh on the image of the leading European automobile group. A manufacturer that is also in financial turmoil at the moment. To the point of considering for the first time in its history closing some of its sites in Germany.
Europe’s leading carmaker Volkswagen is considering an unprecedented cost-cutting plan in the company’s history, with factory closures in Germany and mass layoffs, to cope with a ” extremely tense situation ».
Also read“Dieselgate” scandal: trial of former Volkswagen CEO opens in Germany
« Germany (…) is losing more and more ground in terms of competitiveness “, indicates an internal document sent to AFP on Monday following a meeting of group executives, ” Factory closures at vehicle and component production sites can no longer be ruled out ».
The company had already launched a cost-cutting plan last year, but it was not enough, management explained. Car sales have fallen, as have profits, particularly in China, Volkswagen’s main market, where competition from Chinese manufacturers is fierce and consumption is struggling.
- RFI
