BMW plans to eliminate around 8,000 positions globally by the end of 2027 through a voluntary redundancy programme, the automaker announced as it faces mounting pressure from European regulations and falling Chinese demand.
The scheme, running from October 2026 through 2027, targets administration and development staff in Germany while excluding production line workers. About 40,000 of BMW's roughly 84,000 permanent German employees will receive offers. Chief executive Milan Nedeljkovic, who took over in May 2026, cited tariff barriers and regulatory changes reshaping the industry.
The cuts follow a profit warning issued in June 2026 and vehicle deliveries in China falling 30% year-on-year in the second quarter. Finance chief Walter Mertl estimated restructuring costs of roughly one billion euros. BMW is scheduled to report second-quarter earnings on 30 July.