BERLIN - Volkswagen's showdown with powerful labour leaders over how to tackle spiralling costs at underused German factories has triggered intense soul-searching about the root causes of the carmaker's problems.
Reuters also sourced data for all automakers in eight major European car-making countries: four in higher-cost states - France, Germany, Italy and the UK - and four in lower-cost countries - Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain and Turkey. A utilisation rate of around 70% is considered the minimum for profitability, depending on the vehicle, according to GlobalData. Around 80%-90% is seen as cost-effective, providing some flexibility for model changeovers and maintenance.Volkswagen, Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz said they don't comment on capacity utilisation data. Renault said it uses a different benchmark that shows a higher number for its plants. BMW also said the data may underestimate its actual levels.
At the same time, new car sales in Europe are struggling. They fell 18% in August to their lowest in three years, dragged down by a 44% drop in overall EV sales - which included a 69% slump for German EV sales. Negotiations are due to begin with unions on Sept. 25 over what further cost cuts are possible and VW has said plant closures in Germany cannot be ruled out.
Now, high interest rates and a weakening economy mean demand is dropping, just as more Chinese exports arrive. Volkswagen says annual European car demand should bump along at about 14 million vehicles, down from 16 million before the pandemic. Both cut production lines and reduced capacity so they are less dependent on large assembly plants, relying more on temporary workers with fewer permanent employees on payroll.
Stellantis has already shifted some EV production to lower-cost markets. It will make EVs in Poland via a joint venture with China's Leapmotor. Its Citroen e-C3, which should sell for about 23,000 euros, will be made in Slovakia. The German carmaker's cheapest EV is the ID.3 at over 36,000 euros, while Stellantis brands have cheaper, if less powerful models such as the Fiat 500e, Citroen e-c3, and Opel Corsa.