VW scraps production modernization plan citing tough financial straits

VW has announced that it will scrap large-scale modernization in light of its current economic situation. Employee representatives accuse leadership of putting short-term profits before long-term company viability. Volkswagen, Europe's largest automaker , cited financial constraints on Wednesday when announcing that it will not carry out modernization plans as previously outlined in its project "Gamechanger" scheme.

In his statement, the spokesman said the scrapping of Gamechanger did not mean the company would forego development of its Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) program, which aims to create a shared electric platform for future VW models like the ID. Roc, T-Roc and electric Golf. VW, he said, will also continue to streamline production by simplifying its next generation of vehicles at all of its production facilities.

Daniela Cavallo, chair of the VW works council, slammed the decision, saying it was an admission of leadership's failure and accusing CEO Oliver Blume of forfeiting all claims of technical leadership in vehicle production.