Audi’s A8 Plant Is On The Chopping Block And Workers Are Furious

The Volkswagen Group is planning steep cuts and workers are up in arms. Approximately 6,000 took part in a protest at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant, which builds the A5, A6, A8, and e-tron GT.

The facility is one of four mentioned by Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume in an internal memo earlier this year. In it, he reportedly said “We still cannot confirm competitive use cases for the plants of Emden, Hanover, Zwickau and Neckarsulm in the 2030s.”

More: VW Group Could Slash 100,000 Jobs And Spin Off Core Brand

This suggests they’re slated for closure and that’s not terribly surprising in regards to Neckarsulm. Both the A8 and e-tron GT are living on borrowed time, although the A5 and A6 have plenty of life left in them. Of course, Audi could always consolidate production of those models at another plant to increase utilization.

According to Audi, the Neckarsulm factory employs 15,509 people and built 181,454 vehicles in 2025. The automaker also noted they’re “one of the largest employers in the Heilbronn-Franken economic region.”

A closure would deliver a devastating blow and Reuters is reporting that workers are understandably worried. As one trainee told the publication, “The staff wants clarity because they’re worried about coming to work. Many families are worried too.”

While the future of the facility remains up in the air, the Volkswagen Group has floated the possibility of cutting around 100,000 jobs. The company is also planning to slash its product lineup by 50%, while also reducing complexity and powertrain choices. The automaker is also expected to reduce the number of trims and options that they offer.

Previous reports have suggested this could result in the elimination of several models including the Volkswagen Jetta and Taos. Audi could lose crossover coupes such as the Q5 Sportback and Q6 e-tron Sportback. Likewise, Porsche could phase out the gas-powered Cayenne Coupe and electric Taycan.