Automotive Industry Leaders Urged: Prioritize Investments Over Cost Reductions in the Eastern Regions - Government Official Urges Automakers: Prioritize Expansion in the West Instead of Initial Focus on Eastern Regions
In a bid to protect regional economic stability and social cohesion, Daniel Keller, Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, has urged large German car manufacturers to avoid disproportionately cutting jobs in the East, particularly at the Mercedes plant in Ludwigsfelde.
The Ludwigsfelde plant, a significant employer in Brandenburg, produces Sprinter vans. The plant's future is under threat as the car industry faces challenges such as new competitors in China and US tariffs, leading to nationwide cost-cutting measures by manufacturers and suppliers.
The IG Metall union fears potential job cuts at the Mercedes plant in Ludwigsfelde starting in 2030. Despite the company's assurance that the plant's employees' jobs are secure until the end of 2029, the union's concerns persist.
Keller's call reflects concerns that job cuts in the East, if too severe, could undermine regional development and economic recovery efforts. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining employment levels in Brandenburg to support local infrastructure, economic value, and quality of life in the region.
Keller's stance is not new. His predecessor, Joerg Steinbach (SPD), had already intervened and sought contact with the company's management in Stuttgart. Keller plans to meet with the car manufacturer in Stuttgart to secure the future of the Mercedes plant in Ludwigsfelde, Brandenburg.
Many employees in East Germany have contributed to the success of these companies over decades. Keller emphasizes that companies must take more responsibility for all of Germany, not just the western locations. Consolidating solely at the expense of East Germany, he states, is unacceptable.
This urge to protect the East is not limited to the Mercedes plant. Keller specifically mentioned VW and Audi in Dresden and Zwickau as well, expressing concerns that cost-cutting measures by German car manufacturers may disproportionately affect the East.
The crisis in the auto industry affects both East and West Germany. However, Keller's urging stems from regional economic and social concerns, emphasizing that trimming jobs at the Ludwigsfelde plant disproportionately would harm Brandenburg's economic welfare and undermine efforts toward balanced regional development.
- In light of the ongoing challenges facing the car industry and potential job cuts at the Mercedes plant in Ludwigsfelde, Daniel Keller, Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, has advocated for a community policy that prioritizes vocational training and skills development to mitigate job losses and ensure economic stability.
- Amidst nationwide cost-cutting measures in the auto industry, the politics surrounding general-news issues like the future of the Mercedes plant in Ludwigsfelde have gained significant attention, with Daniel Keller emphasizing the importance of adhering to a community policy that protects regional economic interests and supports vocational training, particularly in Brandenburg.
