Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker, is facing intense pressure from US tariffs, shrinking profits from electric vehicles, and fierce competition in China.

The company’s management is set to announce plans for the biggest restructuring in the auto industry, which could lead to cutting 100,000 jobs globally.Unions like IG Metall are preparing protests against these cuts, warning they’ll fight fiercely.

Despite earlier agreements to avoid plant closures in Germany until 2030, CEO Oliver Blume is now eyeing closing three German VW plants and an Audi factory.The complex ownership structure, including Lower Saxony’s stake, complicates decisions.If approved, the job cuts would reduce Volkswagen’s workforce by 15%, surpassing even GM’s 2009 layoffs.The company also faces challenges in China, where sales have dropped to a decade low.Blume emphasizes the need for cost discipline and competitiveness amid rising tariffs and regulatory demands.This restructuring marks a critical turning point for the automotive industry.