Volkswagen’s board has approved a surprise move to double its planned job cuts, adding about 50,000 more positions to the reduction. The decision, reported by the Wall Street Journal, signals a deeper restructuring effort amid ongoing challenges in the European auto market.

The automaker will now cut a total of roughly 100,000 jobs, but the future of its European auto plants remains uncertain. Management has not provided clear details on which facilities may be affected or how production will be adjusted.

The move comes as Volkswagen faces pressure from slowing demand, rising costs, and a transition to electric vehicles. The expanded cuts are intended to streamline operations and improve profitability, but workers’ unions have expressed concerns over the impact on jobs.

Analysts note that the restructuring could reshape Volkswagen’s manufacturing footprint, but the lack of a concrete plant strategy leaves workers and investors in limbo. The company has yet to outline a timeline for the additional reductions.