Saxony’s state premier Michael Kretschmer said no decision will be made on Friday regarding reports that Volkswagen plans to end production at four German plants—including its Zwickau electric-vehicle facility—by 2034.
Kretschmer, speaking in a video statement on Facebook, described the reports as “deeply distressing rumors” and reiterated that the Zwickau-Mosel plant remains the automaker’s most efficient facility. He emphasized that decisions on Volkswagen’s future are not imminent, citing a recent meeting with VW CEO Oliver Blume and Supervisory Board Chairman Hans Dieter Pötsch as evidence of ongoing deliberations.
The reported plans, outlined in a board document seen by Wirtschaftswoche, include ending production in Emden and Zwickau in 2031, Hannover in 2032, and Audi’s Neckarsulm plant in 2034. The supervisory board is scheduled to meet this week, though Kretschmer said no formal decision is expected.
Local and political reactions have been swift. Susanne Schaper, leader of the Left Party faction in Saxony’s state parliament, criticized the alleged plans as driven by wealthy owner families and failing management. Zwickau’s district administrator, Carsten Michaelis, demanded a clear statement from Blume, asserting that reports of a 2031 closure contradict the impression Blume conveyed during a recent visit to the region.
Volkswagen’s works council chair for the Zwickau EV plant, Mario Albert, said employees remain united against potential closures. “The board continues to consider plant closures, but it does not decide alone,” Albert stated. He added that workers, their families, and the communities tied to the plants for decades expect Volkswagen to uphold its responsibilities.
The Zwickau plant employs roughly 8,000 people and serves as Volkswagen’s flagship facility for electric-vehicle production. It is also expanding into circular economy operations under a contractually guaranteed employment and site commitment through 2030. Kretschmer framed the situation as an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on securing the plant’s future, saying, “We must advocate for our success concept, and I am confident Zwickau-Mosel can remain a strong automotive production hub for decades.”
