CAPTION: The Emden VW plant in Lower Saxony, Germany. (picture alliance/dpa/archive)
Volkswagen will convert two of its factories in Germany so they can be used to produce electric cars, as the world's largest automaker accelerates its investment in zero-emission vehicles.
VW aims to have plants in Emden and Hanover turning out e-cars by 2022. The company has one such factory already in the eastern town of Zwickau.
VW leadership presented the plan to workers in Emden and Hanover on Wednesday.
Employees at the plants were told their jobs were guaranteed up to 2028, but that the company would try and reduce its workforce at the sites through offers such as early retirement.
Human resources director Gunnar Kilian noted in statement that "fewer production steps are involved in making an electric vehicle," resulting in fewer employees on future payrolls.
Volkswagen has announced spending of more than 34 billion euros (38.4 billion dollars) in developing electric vehicles, driverless cars, mobility services and digitization by 2022.
"We are orienting the company towards clean mobility. This way, we are also ensuring sustainable prospects for the future of the two plants," chief executive Herbert Diess said in a statement.
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