Volvo today announced it was cutting some 2,000 jobs as it unveiled third-quarter results showing a five-per cent drop in group net sales.
“As part of the previously announced Group-wide efficiency programme, a directional decision has been made to rationalise white collars in staff and support functions by approximately 2,000 employees and consultants,” the firm said in a statement.
The firm said third-quarter net sales fell to 64.9 billion kronor ($ 10.2 billion), a drop of five per cent compared to the same period last year.
Net profits were also down one per cent, to 1.4 billion kronor, well below analysts’ expectations for around two billion kronor.
Volvo boss Olof Persson said the firm’s third quarter “was characterised by the ongoing comprehensive product renewal in the group’s truck programme and the fact that we entered a new phase of the group’s development focused on taking actions to streamline and enhance the efficiency of our operations.”
The Volvo Group employs 112,000 worldwide, including 16,000 consultants and temporary workers.