Auto expert urges VW to abolish 35‑hour week to cut production costs
Executive summary: Auto expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer called for ending Volkswagen's 35‑hour work week, arguing that more work without wage compensation would lower the company's high production costs. The proposal touches on labor cost structure at one of Europe's largest automakers and could influence future wage negotiations and production efficiency.
Who is involved: Ferdinand Dudenhöffer (auto expert), Volkswagen (VW), and implicitly the IG Metall union and German labor regulators.
Likely next: Dudenhöffer anticipates challenging periods for VW as the company faces high production costs, and stakeholders may debate the feasibility of longer work hours.
Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, an automotive analyst, stated that extending work hours without additional pay could reduce Volkswagen's elevated production expenses. He warned that the company is heading for a tough period regardless. The comment reflects ongoing pressure on VW to improve competitiveness amid high costs. No decision has been announced by the company or unions yet.
Timeline
- — VW: Dudenhöffer fordert Ende der 35-Stunden-Woche bei VW (Handelsblatt)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Dudenhöffer expects VW to face hard times due to high production costs
Sectors affected
Historical parallels
- On 2026-07-10, Handelsblatt published a similar article titled 'Auto: Dudenhöffer fordert Ende der 35-Stunden-Woche bei VW' with the same call.
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Sources
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