Volkswagen is facing one of the biggest challenges in its history as the German automaker struggles with falling profitability, new technologies and intensifying competition from China.

With global production capacity significantly exceeding demand, the company is pursuing a far-reaching restructuring program that could reshape its operations in Germany and beyond.

At the heart of the debate are questions about factory utilization, rising costs and the company's ability to compete in a rapidly changing industry.  

As VW looks ahead, decisions made today could have major implications for the future of Germany's automotive sector and thousands of jobs tied to one of the country's most important industries.