In recent years, Volkswagen has faced financial difficulties that reflect the slowdown of the German economy. Despite the car sales break, one of its least known products, but without any connection to the automotive industry, has recorded remarkable growth: VW’s currywurst.
The sausage that conquered Volkswagen
Described as the energy source of the factory workers and served daily in the company’s canteens and in nearby supermarkets, sausage has officially become the brand’s best-selling product.
“More than 8 million original Volkswagen currywursts represent a new sales record for us,” said Gunnar Kilian, the company’s Director of Human Resources through social networks this week.
A classic of German gastronomy
Currywurst, a typical German dish consisting of sliced sausage covered with tomato sauce and sprinkled with curry and sometimes Paprika, remains one of the favorite meals in the country. Last year alone, Volkswagen sold 8.5 million units of its version, an increase of 200,000 compared to 2023, according to a company spokesman.
Financial difficulties mark the last year
Although the popularity of this product is a source of celebration, the same cannot be said of the current financial situation of Volkswagen. According to the company’s annual report, it revealed a 30.6% drop in net profit compared to the previous year, attributed to increased production costs and reducing car sales in China.
Labor cuts and disputes at Volkswagen
The group, which encompasses car brands such as Audi, Seat and Skoda, has gone through a difficult year, marked by a long labor dispute with German unions. The conflict ended in December with an agreement that foresees the elimination of 35,000 jobs by 2030.
Strategy to recover profitability
In the presentation of the results, Volkswagen Director Arno Antlitz said the company’s priority is to “consistently reduce costs and increase profitability.” He also added that the expectation for this year is that the revenue exceeds 2024 in “up to 5%”.
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Uncertainties in the global market
Despite efforts to balance accounts, Volkswagen recognizes that it faces challenges in an unstable global scenario, with political uncertainties, increased commercial restrictions and geopolitical tensions. One of the factors that can impact the company is the possibility of Donald Trump to apply 25% tariffs to European car manufacturers.
The bet on the Volkswagen sausage
Away from these turmoil, the brand continues to have the success of its sausage. VW’s currywurst is available at the 30 canteens and kiosks of its industrial complexes, as well as supermarkets near factories.
A secret recipe for over 50 years
Produced since 1973, Sausage follows a secret revenue known only by a restricted group of employees. The manufacture occurs in an internal unit of Volkswagen, considered so essential for the company that the product receives the designation of “original part Volkswagen” and even has a serial number of its own: 199 398 500 A.
2021 controversy
In 2021, the administration’s decision to remove the company’s headquarters from the company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg generated indignation among workers. The measure was justified by the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options.
Protests to the highest level
The controversy gained even more prominence when Gerhard Schröder, a former German chancellor and a great connoisseur of the specialty, publicly expressed his dissatisfaction. At the time, he classified Currywurst as “The Qualified Worker’s Energy Bar.”
A triumphant return to the menu
Faced with the strong reaction, Volkswagen turned back and reinstated the sausage to the menu, accompanied by an apology from the administration. The decision was well received by employees, who continue to enjoy the iconic dish in their daily lives.
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