Bosch to Lay Off 10,000 in Germany Over Slow EV Transition

Bosch has announced plans to reduce its workforce in Germany by 8,000 to 10,000 jobs as part of a broader strategy to address the challenges facing the automotive industry. The company’s Vice Chairman, Frank Sell, made the announcement, explaining that the cuts are necessary to adjust to current industry shifts.

With approximately 135,000 employees in Germany, Bosch is responding to weakening vehicle demand and a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles. Additionally, increased competition from low-cost Chinese manufacturers has intensified pressure on German automotive companies.

Sell, who also heads the works council for Bosch’s Mobility Solutions division, stated that the proposed job cuts have created a challenging environment within the company. “The general plans are creating an atmosphere that is absolutely unbearable,” Sell remarked. He also suggested that, similar to Volkswagen workers, Bosch employees might resort to strikes as part of a larger industrial response to the reductions. Unions and labor representatives are now working on a potential action plan for 2025, which could include strikes, he added.

Bosch’s decision is in line with broader trends in the European automotive sector, where manufacturers are grappling with reduced demand and rising production costs. Stefan Grosch, a member of Bosch’s management board responsible for human resources, emphasized that these workforce reductions are critical to maintaining the company’s competitive edge in the evolving market.

“These cuts are essential for Bosch to stay competitive, and this is a challenge facing the entire industry,” Grosch said. 

The Bosch Supervisory Board is set to meet on Friday to discuss the specifics of the workforce reduction.