Die Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, kurz IAA, ist eine der grössten und international bedeutendsten Automobil-Fachmessen. Die IAA Mobility Open Space findet alle zwei Jahre im Rahmen der Messe in der Innenstadt von München statt. Foto: Volkswagen VW Golf GTI Edition 50 *** The International Motor Show, or IAA for short, is one of the largest and most important international automotive trade fairs The IAA Mobility Open Space takes place every two years as part of the trade fair in the center of Munich Photo Volkswagen VW Golf GTI Edition 50

Jun 23, 2026, 3:48 AM CUT

Volkswagen could discontinue many of its models amidst massive layoffs

The Volkswagen Group is among the largest carmakers in the world. But given the tough phase the automotive industry is currently navigating, VW, too, is taking some serious measures to protect its future.

A press release issued by the Volkswagen Group on Friday, June 18, states that the company is targeting to cut 50,000 jobs across brands such as VW itself, Audi, Porsche, and the software subsidiary Cariad. The press release also states that more than 28,000 job departures through 2030 have already been signed.

The aggressive layoffs have already generated about 1 billion Euros (~$1.14 billion), and the VW Group aims to achieve its target of 6 billion Euros (~$6.85 billion) in annual net cost savings by 2030.

In the press release, VW said that group brands launched 30 new models in 2025, and 20 more will join them in 2026. However, they emphasized the need to reduce complexity and tailor models to match regional market demand, which hints at the discontinuation of some models across brands.

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept (Image Credit: Volkswagen newsroom)

Point one of the eight-point strategy for the next phase in the organization's journey read:

"Reduce complexity: Volkswagen wants to make navigating the range of models and variants easier and to focus even more closely on the expectations of customers in the regions. This should generate higher volumes per model."

Simply put, fewer models and higher volumes for each.

Additionally, it wants to reduce the number of both ICE and electric-only platforms. While it is not clear exactly which models or platforms will face the axe, we will find that out in the days to come.

Things to expect in the near future across Volkswagen brands

For the North American market specifically, Volkswagen has admitted interest in the pickup truck segment, given how rivals such as Ford, Toyota, Dodge, and Chevrolet are tasting success with that format. Hyundai, too, is set to join the party sometime in 2028.

The automaker is not sure, but it is keeping an eye on the mid-size and compact segments. It is also developing a new version of the ID.4 electric SUV, but it has yet to spill any more details on that front.

Meanwhile, Porsche is developing a successor to the first-gen ICE Macan, along with a full-size three-row flagship SUV (codenamed K1) above the Cayenne.

While both these models are expected to arrive in 2028, there are reports that suggest the three-row SUV’s future is in question. It was expected to share platforms with the Audi Q9.

Additionally, it has also shifted its focus towards developing hybrid powertrains, and despite cuts, the 718 is expected to come back with both gas and EV options.

Audi, too, has its hands busy, fresh off the Nuvolari supercar reveal. The Q9 is set to be revealed very soon, which will be its answer to the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. Later this year, it will also reveal the all-electric A2 hatchback.

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Yash Kotak