Volkswagen AG could force through decisions on plant closures this year, paving the way for more than 15,000 job cuts, according to analysts at Jefferies, Report informs referring to Bloomberg.

The automaker could shutter production facilities without needing approval from the supervisory board, leading to possible provisions of as much as €4 billion ($4.4 billion) in the fourth quarter, Jefferies said Monday, citing comments from VW executives. The board has in the past blocked management’s restructuring efforts.