Report: Volkswagen to cut UK business partners

  16 September 2024

It has been reported that Volkswagen Group wants to reduce its UK business partnerships from 170 to fewer than 25.

The move is part of the embattled brand’s plan to slash costs by €10bn.

As part of the overhaul, Volkswagen is considering cutting its Northern Ireland retailers from more than a dozen to just two.

In a statement, Volkswagen Group UK did not deny the report. “As part of these changes, our network is also evolving and will ultimately comprise fewer locations, operated by a reduced number of investors,” a spokesman told the Irish News.

“This model is designed to ensure we can sustain an effective and financially-viable investor network, bringing high quality service for customers.

“Our decisions have been based on a number of factors, including investors’ ability to represent and invest in a wide range of Volkswagen Group brands.”

Northern Ireland “will take a significant hit” said one industry source. Letters are believed to have gone to some retailers in the north setting out the company’s position.

No retailer has yet commented on the plans to the Irish News.

According to the ARN Networks Report 2024, the Volkswagen brand has 49 sales partners in the UK.

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