Marketplace All-in-One Volkswagen closes a plant in Germany for the first time
Dec 16, 2025
Alexander Demling, an automotive correspondent at Der Spiegel, discusses Volkswagen's historic closure of its Dresden plant amidst a challenging EV transition and stalled sales, outlining the pressures and job cuts involved. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of Ukraine's largest energy provider DTEK, details the ongoing assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, emphasizing the company's crisis management in a relentless state of emergency. The conversation highlights the intertwining of economic shifts and geopolitical strife.
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Historic Plant Closure Signals Big Strain
- Volkswagen closed a German plant for the first time after 88 years as part of cost-cutting and restructuring.
- The company faces tariff hits, China troubles, and lower-than-expected EV adoption that strain its finances.
Job Cuts And Plant Closures Are Cost Moves
- Alexander Demling says VW agreed to cut 35,000 jobs and close smaller plants to save money.
- He links the moves to tariffs, China problems, and disappointing returns on EV investments.
EV Investment Returns Are Lagging
- VW invested billions in EV platforms expecting faster sales that haven't materialized.
- Those sunk costs reduce returns and force the company to seek savings elsewhere.