The latest financial results presented in early 2026 by major German car manufacturers show sharp declines. This collapse in profits has triggered the announcement or confirmation of massive job cuts at Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi, as well as at major suppliers such as ZF and Bosch. Employee representatives are now negotiating fiercely to limit the impact, sometimes in exchange for significant concessions.
Lagging in electric mobility and facing saturated or wary markets, high costs, fierce Chinese competition, and harsh US tariffs, the German automotive industry continues to struggle. Despite a clear recovery in European sales, the electric segment remains a drain on investment without yielding significant profits. Consequently, the Spring announcements regarding 2025 financial results are poor.
Employment impacted by plunging financial results
The Volkswagen Group’s net profit fell by 44% in 202
…Do you have information to share with us?