Volkswagen is intensifying its cost-cutting measures, aiming to reduce group-wide expenses by 20 percent by the end of 2028, a move reported by Manager Magazin. This ambitious target, announced by CEO Oliver Blume and CFO Arno Antlitz to top executives in mid-January, could potentially include plant closures, though the company has not commented on this possibility. The works council, referencing an agreement from late 2024, emphasizes that plant closures and dismissals were excluded, with a plan already in place to reduce 35,000 jobs in Germany between 2025 and 2030 to enhance competitiveness. The renewed push for savings stems from concerns over profitability due to a slowdown in China, US trade policy, and intense competition, with Blume stating the need to lower the break-even point.