Habeck on VW Crisis: Maintain Transformation, Continue Phasing Out Combustion Engines

Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck is intervening in the crisis at Volkswagen. The Green politician stated in Berlin that decisions must be made in close coordination with social partners and that the goal must be kept in mind to ensure that Germany remains a strong automotive location. "All parties involved must live up to their responsibility for the employees at the locations."

Europe's largest car manufacturer had announced that within the framework of a cost-saving program at the core brand VW, plant closures and layoffs can no longer be ruled out. The agreement on job security concluded with the works council would be terminated, the company announced. This agreement ruled out layoffs due to operational reasons until 2029. Employee representatives and trade unions reacted with dismay. Habeck called the automotive industry a cornerstone of Germany's industrial sector. "That should remain the case." The major automobile manufacturers and their suppliers are good employers for tens of thousands of employees, "engines of prosperity" in regions across the country, and drivers of innovation across industry boundaries.

"This applies even more to VW as the second largest car manufacturer, and the company bears a great responsibility here."