Bosch’s CEO, Stefan Hartung, stated that the company might eventually have to reduce more jobs than originally planned if the automotive industry faces further setbacks. While he noted that current estimates suggest that only specific locations will be affected by certain measures, he confirmed that the company’s current plan is to cut approximately 22,000 jobs in Germany, primarily within the automotive supply sector.
Hartung stated that this gradual job reduction is slated to proceed until around 2030. He admitted that this path is “unpleasant” and causes considerable worry among employees, despite Bosch’s efforts to manage the downsizing as socially responsible, such as through early retirement schemes. He concluded that this existing plan remains in place unless the economic situation deteriorates further.
Separately, Hartung strongly criticized the European Union’s planned ban on combustion engines, which mandates that no vehicle powered only by an internal combustion engine will be sold after 2035. He asserted that this regulation is in stark contrast to other regions globally and risks causing a further contraction of Europe’s entire automotive and supply industry.
The CEO also expressed doubts regarding the strict enforcement of the combustion engine ban. He noted that if regulations incorporate flexibility, hybrid vehicles featuring small combustion engines could still be offered to boost driving range. He acknowledged that possible solutions have been put forward multiple times, but stressed that he is awaiting the final outcome of the regulatory process.