Volkswagen faces resistance to plant closures and job cuts

Volkswagen is pursuing a radical reform course under CEO Oliver Blume, aiming to cut jobs while increasing car production. However, plans for possible plant closures are meeting resistance from the company's supervisory board. Meanwhile, German automakers Volkswagen and Mercedes are questioning existing factory operations and working hours. In a separate but related development, electric vehicles are going mainstream in Germany as private buyers now outpace corporate purchases.