The automotive supply sector is facing a wave of job losses following Bosch’s recent announcement of 13,000 redundancies, according to industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhöffer. He predicts a further 100,000 positions could be eliminated across the broader supplier network.
Dudenhöffer suggests that the impact will disproportionately affect mid-sized and smaller suppliers, as well as those involved in machinery production. His projections indicate that approximately 100,000 jobs will be shed within the entire supplier field by 2030. This decline carries the risk of insolvencies among smaller and medium-sized enterprises struggling to adapt.
Estimates show a significant decline in employment within the German automotive industry. In 2019, the sector supported 834,000 jobs. This figure has already decreased to 720,000 as of August 2025, representing a loss of 114,000 positions – a roughly 14% reduction over six years.
Dudenhöffer expressed skepticism regarding the possibility of these jobs returning to Germany, citing competitiveness and cost considerations as major obstacles. His assessment paints a challenging outlook for the industry and its workforce.