German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said on Friday that he wants to help Volkswagen get through a period of cost-cutting without having to resort to site closures, reflecting concerns about the country's biggest carmaker.

Job cuts and possible factory closures at Germany's largest carmaker are a symptom of a wider malaise in Europe's largest economy. VW's faltering electric-vehicle strategy is adding to the company's revenue woes.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has called on Volkswagen to refrain from factory closures. "The locations should be preserved," he said during a visit to the VW plant in the north-western city of Emden.

Germany's government is exploring ways to support Volkswagen amid potential job cuts. The carmaker plans to reduce costs due to high expenses and competition. Economy Minister Robert Habeck emphasized VW's importance and will visit a plant in Emden.