BMW launches voluntary programme to cut 8,000 jobs worldwide

On 29 July 2026 BMW unveiled a voluntary severance programme intended to reduce its global workforce by around 8,000 positions. Administration and development functions are affected — production is exempt — with the focus on Munich (the FIZ research and innovation centre, some 25,000 staff), Regensburg, Dingolfing and Leipzig. The programme runs from October 2026 to the end of 2027, costs several hundred million euros and is expected to deliver annual savings of about €1bn from 2028; no compulsory redundancies are planned. BMW cites weaker business in China, intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers and the structural transformation of the industry; the group cut its profit guidance in June 2026. The figure of roughly 8,000 jobs is reported by several independent outlets (Euronews, CNBC/Reuters, Bloomberg). Update (15 Oct 2026): According to a regional report, BMW has paused the severance programme in Germany for now because too many employees want to take part; applications already submitted are still being processed. There is no official confirmation on resumption (reported only; leinetal24.de, 15 Oct 2026).