Volkswagen is considering closing some factories in its home country for the first time in the German automaker's 87-year history, saying it otherwise won't meet the cost-cutting goals it needs to remain competitive.
CEO Oliver Blume also told employees Wednesday that the company must end a three-decade-old job protection pledge that would have prohibited layoffs through 2029.
The statements have stirred outrage among worker representatives and concern among German politicians.
Here are some things to know about the difficulties at one of the world's best-known auto brands:
What is Volkswagen proposing and why?
