Volkswagen is weighing the closure of factories in Germany for the first time in its 87-year history as it intensifies cost-cutting efforts in response to growing competition from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. The company, which has embarked on a €10 billion cost-cutting plan, is also considering terminating an employment protection agreement with labor unions. Volkswagen's market share in China has declined, leading to a drop in profits, and the company faces increasing pressure from local EV brands like BYD. The potential plant closures and other measures have sparked strong opposition from labor unions, who have vowed to fight to protect jobs.