Volkswagen is a very large car company. Now, the company has big problems. It is losing money and it has a lot of competition. Because of this, the company wants to change how it works. The CEO, Oliver Blume, says the company must reduce its costs. This plan might put 100,000 jobs at risk.
The company wants to make fewer cars. Before the pandemic, it made 12 million cars every year. Now, it wants to make only 9 million cars. This is because sales are falling in important places. For example, sales in China dropped by 26% this year. In the United States, sales also fell by more than 7%. Chinese companies are now strong competitors.
The plan is causing problems with workers. A large union called IG Metall says the plan is not acceptable. Many workers in Germany are worried about their jobs. Four big factories in Germany, including plants in Emden and Hanover, are in danger. The company's board even said "no" to closing four factories in Germany.
Volkswagen is also looking at new ideas. For example, the factory in Osnabrรผck might stop making cars. Instead, it may make products for the defence industry. The company is in a difficult time. It must find a way to save money and stay successful in a changing world.