Stellantis to Shut Down Historic Luton Plant After 120 Years: Promises Fair Treatment for All Employees

November 28, 2024 – Stellantis, the parent company of the British automotive brand Vauxhall, announced yesterday its decision to shut down its car manufacturing plant in Luton, UK, where Vauxhall has been producing vehicles since 1905, and consolidate its operations in the country. Currently employing around 1,100 workers, the Luton plant manufactures internal combustion engine…

Read More

Germany Pushes EU to Keep High-Efficiency Fuel Cars Post-2035 Amid Industry Concerns

November 29, 2025 – German Chancellor Merz announced today that he would send a letter to the European Commission, urging the EU to maintain technological options for the automotive industry beyond its 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales. Speaking at a press conference summarizing outcomes from this week’s coalition government leaders’…

Read More

Japan’s Semiconductor Leaders Unite for Talent Development and Acquisition

December 30, 2024 – According to a report by Kyodo News, six domestic semiconductor companies in Japan, including Sony Group’s semiconductor subsidiary and Kioxia, have begun collaborating to cultivate and acquire talent. As part of this initiative, engineers from these companies are introducing their work content and career planning to university students. The aim of…

Read More

Volkswagen CEO Addresses Declining Sales and Layoffs: ‘Smaller Pie, More Guests at the Table’

September 10, 2024 – This Sunday, the CEO of Volkswagen, Oliver Blume, defended the company’s plan for large-scale layoffs in the face of the current economic situation. Blume stated unequivocally that the prevailing economic conditions are “so severe” that the old ways of doing business can no longer be replicated. He explained, “Car sales in…

Read More

Volkswagen and German Unions Enter Critical Labor Talks Amid Layoff, Plant Closure Concerns

September 26, 2024 – Negotiations between Volkswagen executives and labor unions commenced on Wednesday, addressing salary issues that could potentially determine the extent of layoffs and possible plant closures at Europe’s largest automaker in Germany. Thorsten Gröger, the chief negotiator for the union, stated unequivocally, “We will not negotiate on plant closures or massive layoffs.”…

Read More