Volkswagen is studying plans to produce its Chinese-developed EVs at under-utilised German factories as part of a wider effort to increase production, safeguard jobs and make better use of manufacturing capacity.

 

The proposal, reportedly backed by the German state of Lower Saxony, Volkswagen's second-largest shareholder, comes as the company reshapes its domestic manufacturing operations in response to shrinking sales, falling profits and increasing competition in European markets from Chinese car makers.

 

VW Group chairman Oliver Blume revealed the plans to build China-developed models in Germany in April, but Autocar has now learned more details. The revelations come as the group's executive board has proposed a major restructuring plan that could have the number of models it produces, and involve up to 100,000 job cuts.