Thousands Of Audi Employees Demonstrate Against A Potential Neckarsulm Factory Closure

Approximately 6,000 employees at the Audi factory in Neckarsulm are protesting today over a possible production shutdown at this location and are demanding a restructuring plan from parent company Volkswagen.

Workers and the IG Metal union are not only seeking to preserve existing jobs, but above all a clear strategy for the future of the factory, reports Tagesschau.

The factory in Neckarsulm in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg employs about 15,000 people, and it produces the Audi A5, A6 and A8 models, as well as the electric Audi e-tron GT in smaller series.

Uncertainty has been further heightened after Volkswagen announced a major cost-cutting program. According to earlier media reports, up to 100,000 job cuts across the group are being considered as part of the restructuring, while changes to the production network are also mentioned among the possible measures.

Volkswagen and Audi management emphasize that the decision to close the factory has not been made.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said he wanted to find “smarter solutions” instead of closing plants, including possible new production tasks for existing factories.

Employee representatives want another model to be produced in Neckarsulm, especially from the EV segment, to ensure the long-term future of the factory.

Audi is currently facing declining sales, especially in China, as well as pressure from US tariffs.

The company has already announced cost-saving measures, and among the first steps in Neckarsulm will be the abolition of the night shift from November, which should reduce costs and increase production efficiency.

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