Boss Volkswagen Bluma: “We have been resting on the laurels for too long”

In an interview with the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, the top manager said that the concern was too inertial, did not have time for the changing customer requests and relied on past successes, missing the stormy changes in the car market. “Our business model for decades has consisted in what we developed and produced here [в Германии] For the whole world. We realized too late that the world has changed. ”

The future at the Chinese assembly and development of the Volkswagen boss was silent, but complained that now vehicles with electric motors and complex software play an important role. For Volkswagen, the situation has become critical, because “huge problems” had “huge problems” with software. It will be necessary to get out of the crisis with the help of unpopular measures: by 2030, 35 thousand jobs will be reduced.

The new Volkswagen strategy: the future for Chinese assembly and development of Volkswagen is ready to release military equipment to get out of the crisis, but failed: Volkswagen Phaeton

Separately, Oliver Bluma stopped at Trump’s tariffs. The top manager emphasized that Volkswagen is hindered by Washington’s policy, since German products are becoming less competitive in the United States. However, the company is conducting direct negotiations with the US Department of Trade: Volkswagen is ready to invest in industry in North America, but in return does not expect concessions. “We observe absolutely honest and constructive discussions [с администрацией США]”, – said to Bluma.

The specifics of business in North America did not sound in an interview, but Volkswagen counts on the principle: who invests in the country, should benefit from the best conditions. Now Volkswagen plants in the United States provide more than 55 thousand jobs, and one of the partners is Rivian.

The most fiery Volkswagen Golf in history