The transformation in the automotive industry towards e-mobility is progressing. Suppliers criticize the price pressure and the relocation of their operations eastwards. They are demanding more help from politicians.
Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - The chairmen of the general works councils of the three largest automotive suppliers in the south-west have warned against relocating to Eastern Europe. With a view to the transformation of the industry, the development and production of new products is increasingly taking place in Eastern Europe, said the head of IG Metall in Baden-Württemberg, Roman Zitzelsberger, at a joint press conference on Friday in Stuttgart. Once industrial competence is gone, it won't come back. The auto industry is so much more than Mercedes and Porsche. The next few years will be decisive for the future of the industry.
The works councils of Bosch, ZF and Mahle reported that their companies were relocating towards Eastern Europe. According to Zitzelsberger, there is only "anecdotal evidence" and no concrete figures. However, when it comes to the question of where new products are to be located, the decision is increasingly being made to go to Eastern Europe.
Frank Sell, head of the Bosch works council, reported strong pressure on discounts and a "huge challenge" in energy prices. There are many more competitors in e-mobility. Manufacturers also do more themselves. That leads to an extreme price war, where companies then say that German locations are not competitive and that products are therefore relocated to countries with lower costs.
The auto industry demands a lot from the suppliers, said ZF works council chief Achim Dietrich. You can see that in the differences in returns. "We're under a lot of pressure there," said Dietrich. He would like politicians, especially with regard to the EU funding requirements, to ensure that strong regions can remain strong and that subsidies are not waited until there is high unemployment there. The suppliers play a very important role for the region, said Mahle works council chief Boris Schwürz. We want to stay strong.
