Famous among car buffs as the former production site of the Karmann Ghia, the Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück is now facing an uncertain future.

No new production orders are planned beyond 2027, prompting concerns over the long-term viability of the site, which currently builds the VW T‑Roc Cabriolet and employs around 2,500 workers.

Local politicians stress the plant's wider economic significance, supporting an estimated 15,000 jobs through suppliers and related industries.

Union leaders warn that the plant is already running below capacity, while rumors about possible new uses — including defense-related manufacturing — are adding to the uncertainty.

All this is adding pressure on VW to clarify its plans and ensure job security in a city with deep ties to auto manufacturing.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.