Audi to cut 7,500 jobs in Germany to become more efficient

Audi’s deliveries fell 12% last year as the brand struggled in markets including China.

Volkswagen AG’s Audi plans to cut as many as 7,500 positions in Germany by 2029 as the automaker tries to shore up its flagging profitability.

The reductions — which correspond to roughly 14% of the brand’s German workforce — will not affect factory workers, Audi said Monday. The carmaker plans to invest around €8 billion ($8.7 billion) in its German locations during that period.

“Audi must become faster, more agile and more efficient,” said Audi Chief Executive Officer Gernot Döllner. “What’s clear is that this won’t be possible without staff adjustments.”

Volkswagen Chief Executive Officer Oliver Blume is pushing for cost cuts across the group to become more competitive. Late last year, the CEO struck a deal with unions to cut staff and capacity at the namesake VW brand.

Audi’s deliveries fell 12% last year as the brand struggled in markets including China. The reductions at the brand will happen without firings.