Brief
Volkswagen chief backs EU “Made in Europe” plan amid Chinese competition
Oliver Blume urged the EU to reward real value creation as Volkswagen trims its model range and cuts jobs.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume endorsed the European Union’s Industrial Accelerator Act, known as the “Made in Europe” rules, while speaking at the Paris motor show on Monday, the Guardian reported.
Blume argued that European carmakers must be able to “compete under comparable conditions” with Chinese rivals and that the rules should “reward real value creation in Europe.” He said the proposals would limit subsidies and public procurement to products with a high proportion of materials and manufacturing sourced within the EU.
The German automaker is confronting a “crisis” sparked by lower‑priced Chinese brands, high energy costs, inflation‑driven weak demand, and the need for faster car development. To address these pressures, Volkswagen announced a “largest transformation programme in its history,” planning to cut up to 100,000 jobs and halve its global model portfolio from 150 to 75, affecting brands such as Audi and Škoda.
Chief financial officer Arno Antlitz said the job cuts are needed to boost profitability and protect the company’s “home turf.” Blume added that companies investing in Europe must see clear benefits and that Chinese firms selling in the bloc should face comparable conditions.
On Friday, the EU reached a deal with China to halve hybrid‑car sales in Europe, a move Blume welcomed as a step toward a level playing field.
Key facts
- Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume supported the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act at the Paris motor show. (theguardian.com)
- Blume said the “Made in Europe” rules should reward real value creation and limit subsidies to EU‑made products. (theguardian.com)
- Volkswagen plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs and reduce its model range from 150 to 75. (theguardian.com)
- The EU agreed with China to halve hybrid‑car sales in the bloc. (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Volkswagen boss backs EU plan to bolster domestic European industry”
