He anticipates German manufacturers will demonstrate significant innovation at the event, showcasing advancements in battery technology, software development, autonomous driving capabilities and faster charging solutions
Blume also cautioned against slowing the pace of corporate restructuring, citing continued concerns surrounding US tariffs He emphasized the necessity of maintaining cost discipline and investment control, noting that tariffs are likely to remain a factor and restructuring costs won’t diminish quickly
Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schäfer detailed progress made within the company’s cost-cutting program, reporting a greater than 20 percent reduction in factory costs at German locations He confirmed that planned staff reductions are proceeding as scheduled, alongside efforts to streamline bureaucracy – the number of decision-making committees has been reduced by 30 percent
Further savings are being achieved through enhanced collaboration between Volkswagen’s volume brands, exemplified by the development of a new electric small car family for VW, Skoda and Cupra Planned production in Spain is projected to yield at least 600 million euros in cost benefits over the project’s lifespan, comparable to savings realized through the joint development of the VW Passat and Skoda Superb
