For the first time in its 87-year history, the automaker is considering shuttering factories in Germany, citing the need to remain competitive. Automobiles, Factories and Manufacturing, Shutdowns (Institutional), Germany, Labor and Jobs, Volkswagen AG, Ig Metall, Layoffs and Job Reductions, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles For the first time in its 87-year history, the automaker is considering shuttering factories in Germany, citing the need to remain competitive. NYT > Business