Volkswagen on Friday announced sweeping changes to its German operations, including more than 35,000 future job cuts and sharp capacity reductions in a last-gasp deal between Europe's top carmaker and unions to avert mass strikes.

VW Group threatened to close up to three plants in Germany, but a deal with workers means those plants are safe.

The automaker agreed to keep all 10 of its factories in Germany open and to guarantee workers’ jobs until the end of 2030.