BMW begins voluntary redundancy programme in Germany as up to 8,000 jobs face cuts
BMW has begun a voluntary redundancy programme covering administration and development roles in Germany, with reports saying as many as 8,000 positions could be affected while production jobs are excluded.
BMW has begun a voluntary redundancy programme in Germany that could affect as many as 8,000 jobs, as the automaker responds to technological change, tougher competition and shifting market conditions.
A BMW spokesperson said on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, that the company and its works council had agreed a severance programme for employees in administration and development. Production operations are not included. Reports cited by The Guardian put the possible reduction at up to 8,000 positions.
BMW employs about 160,000 people worldwide. The company said it was responding to changes across the automotive industry, geopolitical uncertainty, market shifts and developments in China.
German and other European carmakers have been cutting costs while funding their transition from petrol-powered vehicles to electric models. They also face intense competition from Chinese manufacturers, particularly in the electric-vehicle market, as well as pressure from tariffs and weaker demand in some major markets.
The programme follows a leadership change at BMW in May, when former production chief Milan Nedeljković became chief executive. The company has not said in the source report how quickly the voluntary departures would take place or confirmed a final number of positions to be eliminated.
