German industrial giant Bosch plans to cut approximately 8,500 jobs worldwide, according to a company spokesperson who confirmed the news to CNN. The layoffs will primarily impact the Mobility division, which supplies parts to the automotive industry.
While the specific countries affected by the job cuts remain undisclosed, the spokesperson cited a challenging economic environment and the ongoing transformation within the automotive sector as key drivers of the decision. “Maintaining competitiveness in these conditions is essential,” the statement emphasized.
The planned reductions represent nearly 2% of Bosch’s global workforce, which numbered over 429,000 employees at the end of 2023. In November, Bosch had already announced plans to eliminate approximately 5,500 positions.
In Poland, where Bosch operates in five locations (Warsaw, Wrocław, Łódź, Rzeszów, and Goleniów), the company employs around 9,600 people.
The layoffs come amidst broader struggles in the German automotive industry, which faces declining demand, particularly for electric vehicles, and a weak economic outlook. Other manufacturers, including Ford and Volkswagen, have also announced workforce reductions and factory closures to cope with similar challenges.
This marks another critical moment for the automotive sector as companies adapt to shifting market dynamics and economic pressures.