BMW to cut thousands of jobs following Volkswagen (1 photo)
BMW plans to cut approximately 8,000 jobs worldwide by the end of 2027 as part of a cost-cutting program, DPA reports, citing sources. Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume previously announced similar measures, insisting on cutting up to 100,000 people. 
Agency sources specify that the Bavarian concern intends to reduce its workforce through "natural attrition" and a voluntary severance program with severance pay. The latter will be implemented between October 2026 and the end of 2027 and will target all BMW employees in Germany not directly involved in production.
BMW currently employs 154,000 people. More than half of these (approximately 84,000) work in Germany, where the compensation program will be launched. It is expected that more than half of the positions being cut will ultimately be at the group's German facilities.
The cost of these layoffs is expected to be reflected in the company's financial statements for the second half of the year.
Meanwhile, a second wave of layoffs is being discussed within Volkswagen. Oliver Blume is pushing for a reduction of up to 100,000 people, but the board of directors is opposed to such measures. Production is also planned to cease at four of the company's German plants: Hanover, Zwickau, and Emden, as well as at the Audi site in Neckarsulm. The day before, it was announced that one in five Porsche employees would be laid off.
