Get Autoblog in your Google feed
In addition to
giving its SEAT division an ultimatum, Volkswagen is
considering even more drastic measures for cutting costs than previously-reported moves such as reducing
its workforce, selling a minivan made by Chrysler
and cutting costs on its new SUV by more than $1,000
per vehicle. Today’s Detroit Free Press reported that Volkswagen may sell some of its peripheral businesses,
including European car rental unit Europcar, based in Paris, France, and consulting firm Gedas, based in
Berlin, Germany.
The moves would reportedly have no impact upon the automaker’s 2005 earnings, but the cuts would presumably
help VW get back on track financially for future years.