Volkswagen says it could close plant in Germany for the first time ever

Volkswagen says auto industry headwinds mean the German automaker can't rule out plant closings in its home country, while the company is also dropping a longstanding job protection pledge that would have barred layoffs through 2029.

"The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation," Oliver Blume, Volkswagen Group CEO, said in a statement Monday.

He cited new competitors entering the European markets, Germany's deteriorating position as a manufacturing location and the need to "act decisively."