Sweden-based Volvo Cars announced plans to cut around 3,000 jobs, mostly office positions in Sweden, affecting about 15% of its white-collar workforce.

 The move is part of an 18 billion Swedish kronor ($1.9 billion) cost-cutting plan announced last month.

Volvo, owned by China’s Geely Holding since 2010, is facing major industry pressures including U.S. tariffs on imported cars, rising material costs, and slower sales in Europe. CEO Håkan Samuelsson said these were “difficult decisions” needed to build a stronger, more resilient company.

The company reported an 11% drop in global sales for April compared to last year. Volvo’s main headquarters and development centers are in Gothenburg, Sweden, with major plants in Sweden, Belgium, China, and the U.S.

Volvo had planned to sell only electric vehicles by 2030 but scaled back this goal amid tariff uncertainties and other challenges.

Similarly, Japanese automaker Nissan announced it will cut 11,000 jobs globally and close seven factories due to weak sales and a failed merger with Honda and Mitsubishi.

Meanwhile, Chinese EV giant BYD has cut prices on over 20 models, dropping its cheapest Seagull EV to about $7,745 (£5,700). This sparked price cuts from competitors Changan and Leapmotor and caused shares in Chinese car makers to fall.

BYD also outsold Tesla in Europe for the first time in April, while Tesla’s sales there fell by half, partly due to increased competition and Elon Musk’s ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite this, overall electric vehicle sales in Europe rose by over 27% in April compared to 2024.

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