SPD Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader Armand Zorn has warned Volkswagen’s corporate leadership against covering its billions in losses by making cuts to its employees. Instead, he argues that a strategic reorientation of its products is necessary. Zorn stated in interviews with the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” that the crisis cannot be met by perpetually demanding new savings from the workforce.
According to the SPD politician, what Volkswagen needs now are improved products, increased innovation, and a clear future strategy-and he asserted that the executive board is responsible for delivering these.
Zorn further pointed out that Volkswagen’s difficult situation is not solely rooted in the automotive industry’s crisis. He asserted that management also holds considerable responsibility. He criticized the company, noting that technological developments have been “overlooked,” and that important models have been launched too late to the market. Furthermore, he cited “unnecessary conflicts with the workforce” and the “entirely inappropriate appearance of the Audi boss” at a Donald Trump campaign event.
Zorn highlighted that the employees have already made substantial concessions under the restructuring concept agreed upon in early September. He also stressed that politicians have been accommodating to the automotive industry, most recently regarding fleet emission standards. He concluded that the burden now lies squarely with the management.
