Trying To Ride The Wave Of Electric Vehicles, Volkswagen Having Many Problems, Which Resulted In Failures And Delays In Deliveries. Moreover, The Automaker Will Lay Off 2 Thousand Employees In The Coming Years.
Volkswagen, one of the world’s leading automakers, recently announced layoff plans that will affect up to 2,000 employees from its Cariad software unit between 2024 and 2025. According to disclosed information, these layoffs are part of a broad restructuring plan that will have a direct impact on the development of software for electric vehicles, possibly delaying the production of these cars in the coming years.
Restructuring Of The German Automaker Aims To Improve Electric Vehicle Software
The restructuring plan, approved by Volkswagen’s board of directors last Wednesday (10/25), aims to implement the cuts of employees throughout 2024 and by the end of 2025.
This represents a significant measure, as the Cariad unit plays a crucial role in the development of software for the brand’s electric vehicles.
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One of the immediate impacts of this restructuring will be the postponement of the new software architecture 1.2, which was scheduled to be implemented in the Audi Q6 etron and Porsche Macan models.
The delay is expected to extend from 16 to 18 weeks, which could directly impact the availability of these models in the market, including Brazil.
Mass Layoff Generates Uncertainty About The Future Of This Volkswagen Unit
The 2.0 program, originally planned for 2025, is undergoing a complete review, signaling significant changes in the automaker’s plans for its electric vehicles.
Additionally, the new scalable systems platform (SSP), which aimed to encompass everything from compact electric cars to high-performance models, is also being redeveloped, impacting projects like the electric Trinity.
The restructuring of the Cariad unit comes in response to problems that the division has faced in recent times, including exceeding its budget and failing to meet model and software launch targets.
As a result, failures have been identified in recent brand vehicles, such as the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5.
Workers Union Aims To Secure Stability
Although the restructuring plan has received approval from Volkswagen’s management, it still depends on approval from the VW workers’ union, which negotiated stability until 2025.
The union expressed concern about the job cut method, citing a lack of concrete information about where the cuts will occur in terms of structure and functions.
This change at Volkswagen highlights the complexity and challenges automakers face in trying to keep pace with the electric vehicle revolution.
As they strive to improve their software to meet the demands of more sustainable and efficient mobility.
The restructuring is an important step but also raises questions about the balance between operational efficiency and job maintenance in the automotive industry.


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