Volkswagen appears to lower threshold for full manager bonuses

Internal documents reportedly indicate that Volkswagen’s profitability target for the full management bonus may be significantly lower than previously understood. The automaker achieved a 3.8% return in the summer quarter, a figure its finance chief described as too low.

2 Nov 2026

Volkswagen achieved a 3.8% return in the summer quarter, which the company’s finance chief reportedly considered far too low. However, internal documents appear to show that this figure could still be sufficient for managers to receive their full bonus.

The documents point to a new calculation that substantially lowers the threshold for management bonuses. As a result, the profitability recorded during the quarter may qualify for the maximum payout, despite the negative assessment attributed to the finance chief.

The available information does not specify the previous threshold, the precise calculation method or the managers affected.

Sources: Der Spiegel.