However, the factory was far from saved with this statement. "From the point of view of corporate policy, it is necessary to adjust capacity by closing the Neckarsulm plant and relocating vehicle assembly from Salzgitter to Wolfsburg, with single-shift operation in Brussels and Emden," was the succinct statement in the minutes of the VW board meeting of 25 March.

Accordingly, the boardrecommended this "Plan K" to the supervisory board, which had to make the decision on 14 April: "In order to secure the existence of the VW Group, a less drastic solution cannot be envisaged." 30,000 jobs were to be cut in this way.