BMW plans to eliminate up to 8,000 positions by 2027
BMW intends to cut as many as 8,000 jobs, mainly office roles, by the end of 2027, using natural turnover and voluntary severance.
BMW announced a strategy to shrink its employee base by up to 8,000 roles by the close of 2027, targeting primarily administrative and support positions while preserving production line jobs. The company plans to rely on ordinary staff turnover and a voluntary exit scheme that will be offered to all German employees not directly involved in manufacturing between October 2026 and the end of 2027. With a current German workforce of 84,000 and a global headcount of about 154,000, the cuts represent a significant downsizing.
This decision comes after BMW reported a sharp decline in Chinese sales and follows recent layoffs announced by rivals such as Volkswagen, Mercedes and Audi. The German auto sector is feeling pressure from intensified competition, U.S. tariff policies and tighter profit margins on electric vehicles. BMW is set to release its first-half 2026 earnings on Thursday.
Why it matters
The layoffs signal tightening margins in the auto industry and could affect thousands of workers and suppliers.
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