A recent market research analysis by Index-Anzeigendaten, reported by the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, has revealed that Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz significantly reduced the number of job openings in 2024 compared to the previous years.
According to the data, the number of job postings at VW decreased by 43 percent, to 8,951, compared to 2023, while Mercedes-Benz’s job postings decreased by 40 percent, to 17,076. These are the lowest numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In contrast, BMW’s job postings increased slightly to 20,081.
All three automobile manufacturers reportedly spent less on job advertisements as well. VW’s estimated expenditure of 1.6 million euros was only a quarter of the previous year’s sum, while Mercedes-Benz’s expenditure of 5.3 million euros was 60 percent less and BMW’s expenditure of 6.4 million euros was reduced by 40 percent.
Last year, the major car manufacturers struggled with weak sales and revenue declines. The reduced job posting at VW, however, is attributed to the company’s already implemented hiring freeze, which began in November 2023, according to a company spokesperson. The freeze is part of an efficiency program aimed at making the company competitive and secure for the future, with the exception of “legally required” positions with special functions.
Mercedes-Benz has also been discussing cost-cutting measures and potential job cuts for a while. Recently, insiders told the “Wirtschaftswoche” that around 20,000 jobs could be at risk in the coming years.