16:57 - 29.07.2026

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July 29, Fineko/abc.az. German auto giant BMW is planning to offer a voluntary dismissal program to thousands of employees in Germany as part of restructuring aimed at increasing competitiveness against Chinese car manufacturers.

According to sources, most of the 8,000 positions to be cut worldwide will account for Germany. The offer of voluntary resignation with compensation will affect the staff of research and development (R&D), planning and other corporate divisions. The factory workers will not be affected by the cuts.

The program will start in October 2026 and will last until 2027. A BMW spokesperson confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the production council regarding the restructuring program.

The company is facing several significant challenges, including declining demand in its key market in China, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and pressure from US customs duties. As of the end of last year, BMW had a workforce of 87,400 in Germany, accounting for more than half of the company's global workforce.