The Wolfsburg-based manufacturer on Monday informed its works council
Goshdarnit Guardian. You mean management, as in the CEO, informed the board, which has 50% - 1 seats allocated to the works council. Who already expressed their preference for the CEO to shove it. Then we have the seats representing the state stake (Lower Saxony owns 20%), which let it be known, somewhat more statesmanlike, that “the question of works closures won’t arise because every other option will be exhausted first”.
My prediction? If the CEO doesn’t clearly communicate that “those were of course theoretical considerations unlikely to have practical relevance” there’s going to be a new CEO.
Meanwhile Renault will be producing the 5 (upcoming small EV) in France for a pretty low price considering modern car (and especially EV) pricing. It’s even got a reasonable range.
My point bringing that up is… if this happens, it’s because VW is being greedy and seeks to outsource labour – likely to Asia. It’s not because it’s a necessary move to make their business viable.
I’ve always liked VAG cars, shit I currently have one, but they’ve been making such massive missteps for years now.
Greed is not optional under capitalism.
Hooray! Shut them all down. Cars are a dead end for the planet.
I live in the countryside and flapping my arms does nothing. I need a car for the occasions when I don’t walk.
Once there are no more cars, all other transport will improve. People still need to go everywhere and there will be more buses, more bike lanes, more trams and trains etc…
German economy without Russian gas lol
Not sure what gas has to do with building cars, but ok…
I guess Germans know how to manufacture without energy input 🤡
I work in heavy machinery. We use tons of metal, like literally. We’re still dominating the market with competitive prices and good technology. Building cars is amateur time in comparison.
Edit: the main portion of costs is personnel. We have a gigantic service network and they’re expensive as fuck because Germany has a good union (IG Metall). Gas is absolutely of no concern to us at all.
sounds like german auto industry lost its competitive edge due to shiti management and too much state aid.
good to hear that your industry is able to compete despite gas prices!
I will agree with that. Im honestly very happy and proud that we manage to power through the slight recession. And im 100% sure its because of good management. We jumped on board the sustainability train fairly quickly and we’re definitely benefitting from it. It helps that our customers are doing the same. Conservative mindset is what’s ruining our industry (and our political landscape). All they do is whine when things won’t work the way they used to and then they wait for state aid.
Anywho, thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it!