German carmaker BMW will cut around 8,000 jobs, most of them in Germany, under a voluntary redundancy programme aimed at reducing costs amid weakening demand in China and mounting global cost pressures.
German media reported on Wednesday that the plan was agreed after weeks of negotiations between BMW management and employee representatives.
The voluntary redundancy programme is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and run through the end of 2027, reducing the company’s global workforce by about 8,000 employees.
BMW employs around 150,000 people worldwide, including approximately 84,000 in Germany. Voluntary redundancy offers will be made to about 40,000 employees who are not directly involved in production.
The programme will mainly affect staff in management, research and development, planning and administrative roles.
Severance payments will be determined according to employees’ salaries and length of service.
In June, BMW lowered its 2026 sales and profit forecasts, citing weaker demand in the Chinese market.
The company has also announced broader cost-cutting measures in response to U.S. tariffs, rising operating costs and increasing global competition.