Overview
- The VW executive board reportedly voted unanimously Tuesday to schedule production ends at Emden and Zwickau in 2031, Hannover in 2032 and Neckarsulm in 2034.
- The internal document to be shown to the supervisory board on 3–4 September says existing cost structures and product portfolios cannot secure long‑term profitability for the group.
- The paper advances a legal reading that would let management enact a phased 'Leerlaufen von Werken' or run‑down of plants without formal supervisory‑board approval, a point now central to the governance dispute.
- Volkswagen declined to comment on internal documents when asked by AFP, while IG Metall and works councils have warned of vigorous resistance and possible large industrial action.
- The four sites together employ tens of thousands of people and local suppliers and economies face major disruption if the plans go ahead, and the issue is expected to dominate Friday’s supervisory‑board session.