{ "story_id": "c6d2c9a52423a06f9144d1608b2646de", "desk": "drm3", "revision": 1, "published_at": "2026-09-04T07:14:50.000Z", "content_hash": "9d4c326785ff1034be2c990d7496187c825b8acc4485b84c87f3503045a1c138", "hash_basis": "sha256 over `headline\\ndek\\nprose`, plus `\\n` + the canonical citations JSON when any source is placed, plus `\\n#blog` for blogs", "basis": { "headline": "Volkswagen Plans to Discontinue Seat Brand by End of 2029", "dek": "Volkswagen's board intends to phase out the Seat car brand by late 2029 to reduce complexity.", "prose": "The German publication Wirtschaftswoche reported that Volkswagen's management intends to phase out the Spanish car brand Seat by the end of 2029. [^1]\n\nVolkswagen's supervisory board unanimously approved a comprehensive transformation plan on Thursday that includes cutting an additional 50,000 jobs from its workforce. [^2]\n\nVolkswagen is reportedly considering phasing out the Seat brand by 2029 as part of a global restructuring plan. [^3]\n\nVolkswagen stated that continuing the Seat brand in its current form would bind additional resources, and the strategic development will instead focus on the Cupra brand group. [^4]\n\nVolkswagen's supervisory board is scheduled to vote on the proposal to phase out Seat on Friday. [^5]\n\nThe proposed cost-cutting package may involve the closure of four factories in Germany, specifically in Zwickau, Emden, Hannover, and the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. [^6]\n\nVolkswagen intends to eliminate Seat to reduce complexity and investment burdens, focusing instead on the Cupra brand, which currently sells more cars and is the primary source of revenue and profitability. [^7]\n\nThe planned job cuts bring the expected total workforce reductions to 100,000, including management positions. [^8]\n\nAn internal document suggests that Seat has been excluded from Volkswagen's long-term strategic planning. [^9]\n\nCEO Oliver Blume is leading the evaluation of the restructuring plan. [^10]\n\nVolkswagen has not officially confirmed the disappearance of Seat and stated that no decision has been made yet. [^11]\n\nVolkswagen CEO Oliver Blume aims to prepare the company against competition from Chinese automakers in Europe and potential tariffs from US President Donald Trump. 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