Bosch CEO Stefan Hartung revealed that the company might have to reduce more jobs than originally planned if the automotive industry faces even greater problems. While he stated that, at present, this is not the company’s assumption, he warned that implementing some measures will certainly be necessary, and if circumstances worsen, more workforce reductions will be required.
Currently, Bosch intends to scale back approximately 22,000 jobs in Germany, primarily within the component supply sector. This layoff plan is scheduled to extend until around 2030. Hartung admitted this path is difficult and causes significant worry among employees, despite the company’s efforts to manage the reduction as smoothly as possible, even implementing measures like early retirement arrangements. He added that they are prepared to accept negative financial results to navigate this period, noting, “Nobody can look into the future, but if the situation does not deteriorate further, the planning remains as is”.
Hartung also strongly urged policymakers to reconsider the European ban on internal combustion engines. He pointed out that, by the current schedule, no vehicle with a combustion engine can be delivered after 2035, a policy he stated stands in stark contrast to regulations in every other region of the world. According to him, this presents a risk of further contraction for Europe’s entire automotive and supply industry.
Expressing doubt about the definitive implementation of the combustion engine ban, the Bosch chief hinted that flexibility might be possible. He suggested that hybrid vehicles utilizing a small combustion engine to increase range could continue to be offered. Although a potential solution has been announced several times, he concluded by stating that he is waiting to see how the final regulation is set.
