New official figures show Germany’s once-mighty car sector has shrunk to its smallest workforce since 2011.
Only 721,400 people were employed in vehicle manufacturing and parts supply by the end of September – down a brutal 48,700 jobs (6.3 %) from the previous year. That’s the worst drop of any major German industry.
By the Numbers
- Lowest level since mid-2011
- Biggest single-year decline on record
- Entire manufacturing sector lost 120,300 jobs (-2.2 %)
- Auto still #2 employer behind mechanical engineering (934,200 jobs)
Why It’s Happening
German carmakers are getting hit from all sides:
- U.S. tariffs crushing exports
- Chinese EV giants eating market share
- Ongoing chip shortages (latest drama: Nexperia dispute)
A Tiny Ray of Light
The Ifo Institute’s October survey showed the first mood improvement in months – business climate jumped from –21.3 to –12.9 points.
Still deep in the red, but executives finally see the bleeding slowing.
Germany’s engine is sputtering – and 48,700 families are feeling it.
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