BERLIN (Reuters) – Volkswagen (ETR:) is considering a series of measures to cut costs for its core brand, including a 10% pay cut and a two-year wage freeze, in a bid to save 4 billion euros, the Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Sunday, citing on company insiders.

Given the challenging economic situation, the car manufacturer is under increasing pressure to cut expenses. Meanwhile, workers have criticized management for failing to present a clear strategy for the future, despite promises of a fresh plan in the works.

According to Handelsblatt, Volkswagen executives have discussed several potential cost-saving moves. These include limiting bonuses for top-level employees, reducing additional payments for employee anniversaries and exploring the possibility of closing some German manufacturing plants.

A Volkswagen spokesman declined to comment to Handelsblatt on ongoing negotiations with the company’s works council and IG Metall, Germany’s powerful metal workers’ union.

Since the beginning of October, Volkswagen management has been meeting weekly with representatives of employees at German factories, analyzing where cost reductions can be made and what models will be produced in each location.

According to a union spokesman, negotiations on wage increases are being conducted separately, with the next formal round scheduled for October 30.