Core Viewpoint - The European automotive parts supply industry is facing severe challenges, with over 100,000 job losses reported, and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming years due to multiple pressures including declining profitability and increased competition from Chinese suppliers [3][6][11]. Group 1: Job Losses and Industry Impact - The European automotive parts suppliers association (Clepa) reported that over 100,000 people have lost or are about to lose their jobs in the automotive supply chain, with 50,000 layoffs announced for 2025 alone, adding to 54,000 recorded in 2024, totaling 104,000 job losses in two years [3][6]. - Major companies like Bosch and ZF are making significant layoffs, with Bosch planning to cut 13,000 jobs by 2030 due to a €2.5 billion annual cost gap, leading to employee protests [6][8]. - The job market is severely impacted, with only 7,000 new positions expected in 2025, which is insufficient to offset the over 50,000 layoffs, highlighting a stark contrast between job losses and new job creation [8][12]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The automotive parts industry is experiencing a decline in profitability, with conditions worsening since 2023 after reaching a peak in 2021-2022, driven by reduced profit margins for manufacturers and increased capital expenditures for electric vehicles [11][12]. - High energy and labor costs in Europe are forcing manufacturers to cut jobs and shift investments to lower-cost regions, exacerbating the industry's challenges [11][12]. - The industry is caught in a vicious cycle of declining demand, excess capacity, and layoffs, with a significant drop in local market demand further complicating the situation [12][14]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Chinese suppliers are increasingly competing in the European market, leveraging cost advantages to gain market share, which has led to a trade deficit in automotive parts for the first time in 2025 [14][15]. - The shift in trade dynamics is stark, with Europe previously exporting €7 billion more in traditional automotive parts to China than it imported five years ago, now facing a reversal [14][15]. Group 4: Policy and Strategic Responses - European policymakers are urged to implement measures to restore fair competition and reduce operational costs to support the struggling automotive supply sector [15][17]. - Some suppliers advocate for local content requirements for automotive parts sold in the EU to enhance competitiveness, with France pushing for a 75% localization rate for electric vehicle components [15][17]. Group 5: Emerging Opportunities - Despite the challenges, there are emerging opportunities for European suppliers to support local production for Chinese automotive manufacturers, who are localizing their supply chains to reduce tariffs and better serve the market [18][22]. - The increase in defense spending in Europe is expected to create additional demand for automotive parts, presenting new avenues for growth [18][22].
每天142人下岗,欧洲零部件惊现失业潮
汽车商业评论·2026-01-14 23:07