Volkswagen Group’s chief executive has indicated a potential reduction of up to 100,000 jobs globally, a figure significantly higher than previously announced. This move stems from a sharp decline in profits, attributed to falling sales in key markets and increased competition from Chinese manufacturers. The company aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, acknowledging that its operational expenses are considerably higher than those of its competitors. Discussions regarding job losses are ongoing across all brands and regions, with the future of several German factories, including those producing electric vehicles, remaining uncertain.
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It appears Volkswagen’s CEO is setting the stage for a massive workforce reduction, with reports from Manager Magazin indicating a target of cutting around 100,000 jobs as part of a significant company overhaul. This is a stark figure, especially when considering Volkswagen employs approximately 650,000 people globally. The sheer scale of such a layoff suggests a deep and perhaps fundamental restructuring is underway.
The current state of Volkswagen’s stock performance, where $100 invested five years ago would now be worth only $35, points to a prolonged period of struggle, not a sudden downturn. This consistent decline, even before accounting for inflation, paints a picture of a company in what some might describe as a managed decline, a concerning observation for such a historically dominant player in the automotive industry.… Continue reading
Wholesale motor oil prices are surging, and industry executives warn of imminent shortages driven by the war with Iran. Damage to Middle Eastern facilities and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted the supply of crucial base oils, particularly Group III, which is vital for modern vehicle lubricants. While workarounds are expected to emerge, these temporary solutions may potentially compromise the long-term health of engines.
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Representative Virginia Foxx has drawn criticism for her response to a 10-year-old student’s persuasive essay advocating for electric vehicles. The student’s essay, which proposed a tax rebate for EVs and highlighted environmental benefits, was sent to Foxx as part of a class assignment. In her reply, Foxx questioned the boy’s teachers, accusing them of “indoctrinating” him and advising him to learn about propaganda. The student’s mother defended his teachers, calling Foxx’s letter “demoralizing” and stating that the representative had “crossed a line” by attacking a child and educators.
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Representative Virginia Foxx responded to a 10-year-old’s school project on electric vehicles by criticizing his proposal for tax rebates as financially irresponsible and accusing his teachers of indoctrination. This response, shared by the child’s mother on social media, sparked outrage, with critics calling it “reprehensible” and questioning Foxx’s suitability for the House Rules Committee, especially given her past votes on legislation that increased national debt. The congresswoman suggested the child consult sources like Fox News for information on climate change and to ask his teacher about propaganda.
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Spurred by rising fuel costs, demand for electric vehicles is increasing globally, with Chinese manufacturers, particularly BYD, capitalizing on this trend. Despite limited access to the U.S. market, BYD is experiencing surging orders across Asia and other international markets, driven by consumers seeking cost savings. The company is addressing supply challenges and aims to overcome charging time concerns with its new “flash charging” technology, a significant development expected to boost EV adoption worldwide. This global shift was evident at the Beijing Auto Show, where Chinese automakers featured prominently.
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Oil prices remain elevated above $100 per barrel due to damaged energy infrastructure in the Middle East and the ongoing closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, which has choked off 20% of global oil supply. Goldman Sachs anticipates that these high prices could persist, with a worst-case scenario projecting Brent crude potentially exceeding its 2008 all-time high. The U.S. is working to mitigate the impact of the conflict on domestic gasoline prices, which have reached their highest level since October 2022, while considering various measures to stabilize the market.
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Canada is reportedly exploring a joint venture to manufacture Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) for global export, a move that could significantly reshape the automotive landscape. This potential collaboration aims to leverage Canada’s existing manufacturing infrastructure and trade relationships to bring affordable, high-quality Chinese EVs to international markets.
The idea is that by building these vehicles in Canada, they would be exempt from certain tariffs, particularly those imposed by the United States. This strategic positioning could make shipping to Europe and South America more efficient and cost-effective, opening up substantial new export opportunities. Canada’s extensive network of trade agreements with Europe, East Asia, and various South American nations further strengthens this prospect, allowing for broader market access.… Continue reading
Volkswagen has officially surpassed Tesla as Europe’s leading electric vehicle (EV) seller in 2025, a significant shift in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. This development, while a win for the established German automaker, is also being viewed as a consequence of Tesla’s recent stumbles and a broader trend of European consumers leaning towards domestic brands. The narrative surrounding this shift suggests a complex interplay of market forces, consumer sentiment, and even geopolitical factors.
It appears that a growing wave of “Buy European” sentiment is playing a substantial role in Volkswagen’s ascent. Many consumers across the continent are reportedly shunning brands perceived as having problematic associations, with Elon Musk’s public stances and perceived meddling in European political affairs cited as a primary reason for Tesla’s declining appeal.… Continue reading
China’s BYD vehicle sales fall for fifth month in a row, a topic that’s sparked quite a bit of chatter, and it’s a good time to sift through what’s being said. It seems like a confluence of factors are at play, making this more interesting than just a simple dip in sales.
One of the prominent ideas is that BYD might be suffering from its own success. They’ve aggressively expanded, keeping costs low, and produced a lot of vehicles. However, the market, in China, could be reaching saturation. It is a bit like pushing a boulder up a hill, at some point the rate slows and starts rolling back.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood