# Crisis in the German automotive industry: restructuring and job cuts > The dossier is dominated by the difficulties of the German automotive industry, with Schaeffler’s announcement of 3,460 job cuts in Europe and the possible closure of its Dortmund plant, while 3,000 Audi workers went on strike over uncertainty at a production site. These developments fit into a broader sector slowdown marked by restructuring, sluggish demand, foreign competition and falling profits. The sub‑events locate most of the announcements in Germany, with repercussions in Belgium and Slovakia via Schaeffler, while China and the United States are cited for the sales slump and trade tensions. Media in several countries cover the story, but the detailed facts focus mainly on Germany. **In brief**: Ongoing story bringing together 19 events involving Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and 3 more, in 5 countries (Allemagne, Chine, Belgique and 2 more), followed from 31 October 2026 to 5 November 2026. 107 articles from 23 sources (plants, jobs and earnings); last updated on 5 November 2026 at 10:39. Figures reported: 326 vehicles, 3500 jobs. - Status: ongoing - Scope: International - Category: Plants, jobs and earnings - Countries: Allemagne, Chine, Belgique, Slovaquie, États-Unis - Brands: Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Schaeffler, Volkswagen Group - First detected: 31 October 2026 at 04:00 - Updated: 5 November 2026 at 10:39 - Web page: https://mecapress.com/stories/164-crisis-in-the-german-automotive-industry-restructuring-and-job-cuts ## National stories (9) - Germany — 8 country-specific events, 66 articles - France — 0 country-specific event, 8 articles - United States — 0 country-specific event, 8 articles - China — 0 country-specific event, 7 articles - United Kingdom — 0 country-specific event, 3 articles - Spain — 0 country-specific event, 3 articles - Italy — 0 country-specific event, 2 articles - Vietnam — 0 country-specific event, 2 articles - Canada — 0 country-specific event, 2 articles ## Reported figures - €300 million - 300 millions d'euros - 300 Millionen Euro ## What is established _“Confirmed” = reported by at least two independent outlets (outlets of the same group count as one). AI cross-check of the collected headlines and extracts._ **Confirmed by several sources** - Schaeffler announces the elimination of 3,460 positions in Europe. (12 independent sources: [Yahoo Finance](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxQMkJqX2wwcF9zeVEwX2xUMHhwQlg3eXV5MjhoOG9MWFZNMnkxWDBGeThuSFZsZWFVOE9lc1lhbTNhWHdOVzZZbHM3TUdVbXA2WHRSSWZxcFR0Q05BUXZWZm9XbTd0RVhJTm5mU2lFTVloUk1IS2w3ZG8tU1M4Y1ZHcjNIdGNXcmxxbnNVYjl2am5MMEo3dTVvYUZxUlZIZGlPMG1qejQ0dkZVbU5pTEE?oc=5), [hdmotori.it](https://www.hdmotori.it/schaeffler-annuncia-3460-esuberi/), [CNBC](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMicEFVX3lxTE54Zk1NMUtleWR4ZnE1Rm9sRnBGcXZfMUhLTE42bV9YMWw4ck5PWDVVd0JPWVQybFRQMUNxSm9wejFQVFdsbG9XUFBmdlJMS21DTjBIa1J0d2pTQllvc2tpNGlObW1BaF9YZmgtQ1RFWk3SAXZBVV95cUxQYkVYdGI4X1djU1V3dXVFbElUYTQwbGRxT2J4aGxoMGgtY2xTWUpVTm8yVU9FUUNIa1JKUFRLd3gxUHhEWE4zcXhTbS1yNUNZa1Atc0Y0QjlCUHV6Z253ZnNkSVpLcmhPZkdjLXdaZE5pSWJwY3R3?oc=5), [El Economista](https://news.google.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?oc=5), [L'Auto-Journal](https://www.autojournal.fr/actu/schaeffler-supprimer-milliers-postes-europe-430275.html?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=unknown), [新浪财经](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinAFBVV95cUxQQ0ttaTZ2eURmTV9NUHBzMGtVc1M4MF90VzJYUjBkLWlIZTlXTzlDTzQwamU0ZWMwdFBXbzNCdjIyS3VpU195X0l2WXJFSUYxN3NKT0E1bWJPX0JuWWJGUGtxX1BoWmZTM0ZXY3p1NENLUDJWMS1yZG93S3U5VHJCeG5QbzNpQ2lMeTF5enpZYnZqZEZlcGtGdXQ4eDA?oc=5), [搜狐网](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiVkFVX3lxTE5DN3NabGg4Q1lXTFNfZy12UW1ydy1YQkpwQXBFMW5CTmg1T19RblY0c2JwdDNGLWFBV3BRc1lmRTZFR1psSXBvR0xXUnlISkpaSkhXc1NR?oc=5), [Diariomotor](https://www.diariomotor.com/noticia/schaeffler-anuncia-cierre-cinco-centros-mas-despidos/), [汽车之家](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiW0FVX3lxTE1RQUJqVmlsNUQ5REpTZnZoZUlaZnBHOUwwY0F3REhBSnFYWFl5RWt5TXJrNkJQZ3lPUFA2dV9rTUdVaXN3UjZMYmNGejZnUW5oYWZUbzNDY1RONVE?oc=5), [news.dealershipguy.com](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivgFBVV95cUxNS2VfUzdXTE9OVnhGNHhIUzRYWHBjWHpZQ2wwc2NMNXhPQ0c5WGZvcTViLUpVUjB0YXBHbS1NbVhVMmNtbDBSWkZqZXltTXRSejk3VGxEN2VsS3dKUU1MOEFaajBYLUtXY2VTdG0ybEE4dU0tcnZoMWJvanBkR2l1U2VEYXVMTnV2ZVg3ZjRwRVduMzJ2U2dOTDkyNGxCSXZHWFNTUHdSUGZ5Rml6WWlPSEpyWW0xZEFkRC1oZjF3?oc=5), [Le Revenu](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxOMjRYLU1SSVAtc0E5bGNocWxuc1VTTklRX0NGRmxGLVBXTmo1UHVlVUdqY1ZjYkFqYk1iejU1WlJaSHVPai1EaERYNnBFZkpoNzBjQTRpeGtqVVNJTmZGTjFBT0xOdEg4VTU4N1oyZXZ0YjV3N3RDUzRhN01Vdnd5UExfSmRvTzBzdVhoalg5dlBhRnNLNnI0QnlqUkdyN2RSNEU2OHJ6dk5OQTBqSGc?oc=5), [Auto Plus](https://www.autoplus.fr/actualite/cet-equipementier-supprime-3-460-emplois-en-europe-et-ferme-5-usines-1474656.html?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=unknown)) - Schaeffler plans to close five sites in Europe, including four in Germany (Dortmund, Morbach, Berlin, Schwalbach) and one in Belgium. (9 independent sources: [Yahoo Finance](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxQMkJqX2wwcF9zeVEwX2xUMHhwQlg3eXV5MjhoOG9MWFZNMnkxWDBGeThuSFZsZWFVOE9lc1lhbTNhWHdOVzZZbHM3TUdVbXA2WHRSSWZxcFR0Q05BUXZWZm9XbTd0RVhJTm5mU2lFTVloUk1IS2w3ZG8tU1M4Y1ZHcjNIdGNXcmxxbnNVYjl2am5MMEo3dTVvYUZxUlZIZGlPMG1qejQ0dkZVbU5pTEE?oc=5), [hdmotori.it](https://www.hdmotori.it/schaeffler-annuncia-3460-esuberi/), [El Economista](https://news.google.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?oc=5), [L'Auto-Journal](https://www.autojournal.fr/actu/schaeffler-supprimer-milliers-postes-europe-430275.html?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=unknown), [Diariomotor](https://www.diariomotor.com/noticia/schaeffler-anuncia-cierre-cinco-centros-mas-despidos/), [kfz-betrieb.vogel.de](https://www.kfz-betrieb.vogel.de/schaeffler-streicht-tausende-jobs-und-schliesst-werke-a-5281276e682ead2c34b3b905c859f0a1/), [汽车之家](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiW0FVX3lxTE1RQUJqVmlsNUQ5REpTZnZoZUlaZnBHOUwwY0F3REhBSnFYWFl5RWt5TXJrNkJQZ3lPUFA2dV9rTUdVaXN3UjZMYmNGejZnUW5oYWZUbzNDY1RONVE?oc=5), [news.dealershipguy.com](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivgFBVV95cUxNS2VfUzdXTE9OVnhGNHhIUzRYWHBjWHpZQ2wwc2NMNXhPQ0c5WGZvcTViLUpVUjB0YXBHbS1NbVhVMmNtbDBSWkZqZXltTXRSejk3VGxEN2VsS3dKUU1MOEFaajBYLUtXY2VTdG0ybEE4dU0tcnZoMWJvanBkR2l1U2VEYXVMTnV2ZVg3ZjRwRVduMzJ2U2dOTDkyNGxCSXZHWFNTUHdSUGZ5Rml6WWlPSEpyWW0xZEFkRC1oZjF3?oc=5), [Auto Plus](https://www.autoplus.fr/actualite/cet-equipementier-supprime-3-460-emplois-en-europe-et-ferme-5-usines-1474656.html?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=unknown)) - Schaeffler is considering developing a defence business. (3 independent sources: [CNBC](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMicEFVX3lxTE54Zk1NMUtleWR4ZnE1Rm9sRnBGcXZfMUhLTE42bV9YMWw4ck5PWDVVd0JPWVQybFRQMUNxSm9wejFQVFdsbG9XUFBmdlJMS21DTjBIa1J0d2pTQllvc2tpNGlObW1BaF9YZmgtQ1RFWk3SAXZBVV95cUxQYkVYdGI4X1djU1V3dXVFbElUYTQwbGRxT2J4aGxoMGgtY2xTWUpVTm8yVU9FUUNIa1JKUFRLd3gxUHhEWE4zcXhTbS1yNUNZa1Atc0Y0QjlCUHV6Z253ZnNkSVpLcmhPZkdjLXdaZE5pSWJwY3R3?oc=5), [新浪财经](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinAFBVV95cUxQQ0ttaTZ2eURmTV9NUHBzMGtVc1M4MF90VzJYUjBkLWlIZTlXTzlDTzQwamU0ZWMwdFBXbzNCdjIyS3VpU195X0l2WXJFSUYxN3NKT0E1bWJPX0JuWWJGUGtxX1BoWmZTM0ZXY3p1NENLUDJWMS1yZG93S3U5VHJCeG5QbzNpQ2lMeTF5enpZYnZqZEZlcGtGdXQ4eDA?oc=5), [搜狐网](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiVkFVX3lxTE5DN3NabGg4Q1lXTFNfZy12UW1ydy1YQkpwQXBFMW5CTmg1T19RblY0c2JwdDNGLWFBV3BRc1lmRTZFR1psSXBvR0xXUnlISkpaSkhXc1NR?oc=5)) - German automakers suffered a collapse in profits in the third quarter and difficulties in China and the United States. (3 independent sources: [Yahoo Finance](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimwFBVV95cUxON0VNdTBZd3U3SFl6TE9fZ3lrOWNnZnhaX05TYXl2WmNUWlBfU3dtWjRaX1pfR01JU0dFaXhPQnlYc2F3LXpiWkdBVXhuOUFtSVNBcTd4S3M3dEpuc2VQTm90c0FXUmhNeUJvUGVyQVJHbm45VVZnTlljV3U0QXhjaDdjOGU1aHpxeVVsQUZvY3FMVnVfaFhHLWx4aw?oc=5), [Frankenpost](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivAFBVV95cUxPSUx5a3YyYU96ZUdXbmxEYll0ZEdIc2h1MGFsOENWLXNvRlJkVjZqc2hnZEVuYVhXTFZyN2dPdG9VVHpubEhsWGI2TjB4cV9rUTZnblgtb3k1SkNnRVl5T01YT0J3Zk5lYjRZYjRkM0d2R191WGlPVTJ6ZGZ2eTJIMDk1Zm9BRWpkektHakstMGxGY19ITVJfZzJta1BHN1RXU1VKZ2V0MDJXM1VKMXBHOTlHdlFiSk5zbXNDdQ?oc=5), [handelsblatt.com](https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/autoindustrie-die-elektrowelle-ueberrollt-vw-bmw-und-mercedes/100265334.html)) - In October, the business climate in the German automotive industry improved, with the Ifo index reaching -4.1 points. (2 independent sources: [ad-hoc-news.de](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxQd2ZfMmZSemZpQmxxZ1F4VlFzT0VzU0w2WGtnaEdxOE1sb3p1N2lfcUlzc2lYaGQ1WXZKbXRlMUJoQUtaSTVub2ZIdkc3UEMzSncybXlwbnBzQWlfZzlWQUtvOTFySV9URERGbEdCYlB2T1RPVFhTbjlna0t6ZERHV3FLdmZDbmYySk44QWdaUEVBOElKNUpKY3dNOEVuLW5NdHBNbHNubFk5aE0z?oc=5), [trading-house.net](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxQSl9NaDR0TjdqVnhGYTl2T2pWUTdMakxoZVo3V2pJbm05REJXaVpEUnZfSlliYlBMb0xsTGprMWpPT3l2bDVOWS1CQ1haTEdVQk5sMUVYbWphNmc0bXFUbG5UdER1SW9XVlduYk5zMmxTSV9kNjRuUW5CeXZJVHdJUEgxQ1kwbEFmdjZ5cTRGdTZSdE80dmYwMDBhdkM2RE5iNlE?oc=5)) **Sources disagree** - Total number of job cuts at Schaeffler: 3,460 positions according to [Yahoo Finance](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxQMkJqX2wwcF9zeVEwX2xUMHhwQlg3eXV5MjhoOG9MWFZNMnkxWDBGeThuSFZsZWFVOE9lc1lhbTNhWHdOVzZZbHM3TUdVbXA2WHRSSWZxcFR0Q05BUXZWZm9XbTd0RVhJTm5mU2lFTVloUk1IS2w3ZG8tU1M4Y1ZHcjNIdGNXcmxxbnNVYjl2am5MMEo3dTVvYUZxUlZIZGlPMG1qejQ0dkZVbU5pTEE?oc=5), [hdmotori.it](https://www.hdmotori.it/schaeffler-annuncia-3460-esuberi/), [CNBC](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMicEFVX3lxTE54Zk1NMUtleWR4ZnE1Rm9sRnBGcXZfMUhLTE42bV9YMWw4ck5PWDVVd0JPWVQybFRQMUNxSm9wejFQVFdsbG9XUFBmdlJMS21DTjBIa1J0d2pTQllvc2tpNGlObW1BaF9YZmgtQ1RFWk3SAXZBVV95cUxQYkVYdGI4X1djU1V3dXVFbElUYTQwbGRxT2J4aGxoMGgtY2xTWUpVTm8yVU9FUUNIa1JKUFRLd3gxUHhEWE4zcXhTbS1yNUNZa1Atc0Y0QjlCUHV6Z253ZnNkSVpLcmhPZkdjLXdaZE5pSWJwY3R3?oc=5), [El Economista](https://news.google.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?oc=5), [L'Auto-Journal](https://www.autojournal.fr/actu/schaeffler-supprimer-milliers-postes-europe-430275.html?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=unknown), [新浪财经](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinAFBVV95cUxQQ0ttaTZ2eURmTV9NUHBzMGtVc1M4MF90VzJYUjBkLWlIZTlXTzlDTzQwamU0ZWMwdFBXbzNCdjIyS3VpU195X0l2WXJFSUYxN3NKT0E1bWJPX0JuWWJGUGtxX1BoWmZTM0ZXY3p1NENLUDJWMS1yZG93S3U5VHJCeG5QbzNpQ2lMeTF5enpZYnZqZEZlcGtGdXQ4eDA?oc=5), [搜狐网](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiVkFVX3lxTE5DN3NabGg4Q1lXTFNfZy12UW1ydy1YQkpwQXBFMW5CTmg1T19RblY0c2JwdDNGLWFBV3BRc1lmRTZFR1psSXBvR0xXUnlISkpaSkhXc1NR?oc=5), [Diariomotor](https://www.diariomotor.com/noticia/schaeffler-anuncia-cierre-cinco-centros-mas-despidos/), [汽车之家](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiW0FVX3lxTE1RQUJqVmlsNUQ5REpTZnZoZUlaZnBHOUwwY0F3REhBSnFYWFl5RWt5TXJrNkJQZ3lPUFA2dV9rTUdVaXN3UjZMYmNGejZnUW5oYWZUbzNDY1RONVE?oc=5), [news.dealershipguy.com](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivgFBVV95cUxNS2VfUzdXTE9OVnhGNHhIUzRYWHBjWHpZQ2wwc2NMNXhPQ0c5WGZvcTViLUpVUjB0YXBHbS1NbVhVMmNtbDBSWkZqZXltTXRSejk3VGxEN2VsS3dKUU1MOEFaajBYLUtXY2VTdG0ybEE4dU0tcnZoMWJvanBkR2l1U2VEYXVMTnV2ZVg3ZjRwRVduMzJ2U2dOTDkyNGxCSXZHWFNTUHdSUGZ5Rml6WWlPSEpyWW0xZEFkRC1oZjF3?oc=5), [Le Revenu](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxOMjRYLU1SSVAtc0E5bGNocWxuc1VTTklRX0NGRmxGLVBXTmo1UHVlVUdqY1ZjYkFqYk1iejU1WlJaSHVPai1EaERYNnBFZkpoNzBjQTRpeGtqVVNJTmZGTjFBT0xOdEg4VTU4N1oyZXZ0YjV3N3RDUzRhN01Vdnd5UExfSmRvTzBzdVhoalg5dlBhRnNLNnI0QnlqUkdyN2RSNEU2OHJ6dk5OQTBqSGc?oc=5), [Auto Plus](https://www.autoplus.fr/actualite/cet-equipementier-supprime-3-460-emplois-en-europe-et-ferme-5-usines-1474656.html?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=unknown) ; 3,500 positions according to [Les Echos](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi6gFBVV95cUxNOGtGLTE5cGFVTnVQZkxRQ3lndEk5OGh0QkF0LXJwajBwX2d5dXVQT3RFQVZLdDJEeURYZEx1UjNzWloyTVZXclI3RTZNQ2JRbHhaZkFiMUhfbWF3Zk9DVlJGMHp5aEpTbzViU2U5a1JBcUlqRkV4MkkwZV8tam5VZy0zdG5QdTl5X3NJendmT0YwV0JkQnlJOEJyM200U0EyeG45U0JVWkx0NzZpYVRvbnhNQW1NU0RULVpNQUNIeGprMUNJSjlxeFV5bEZfUTJDdlFHazc0bVhxbHVPRGZ4aHRUY3ZLdFVXTFE?oc=5) **Single source so far** - IG Metall is leading strikes at Audi and Mercedes, demanding a 5% pay increase versus 1.3% and covering 3.7 million employees. (according to [凤凰网](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiUkFVX3lxTFBVb0hKcmRyVlNNS1lkeURyc1E4M05IT0xBblE5NXloaHVZMFdsQTQtOWRYZzZHeDVPaUdNUWpIWU40LTJPd0VrOVhvZ0VBeU4tSlE?oc=5)) - The VDA reports that German passenger car production fell 7% in October to 326,300 units. (according to [新浪财经](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiS0FVX3lxTE5KYjZqYjlWVnBtVThPSE1NVklxbmJPWUZPbGs2S203OHRsMUZMTi1XNk5PaFkzSVlwUV95VU1xV2w1YmRYV1JXZ1d1QQ?oc=5)) - Schaeffler plans to cut hundreds of jobs in Slovakia. (according to [The Slovak Spectator](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxNWmFlN3hQYU03REFBN1g3TVNBenlTWEphaXJIbjl0MUhsd0U3blFycWJzTlg1dFd4ems1R1c1cUZlWXZLT0s4WWo2OXhJdWpkVHdqM1Z6N1dhcmpLeG8zQ0QxaHdEc0V6cmV1YXJlcHp2NWZZTnpNT1JnVkU2SmRxWHI1Q05za0dnREJhZUtZZTFsQTJ0TWEzMzdiSDYwelo5YmlEU1BDeUJaX1l3?oc=5)) - Around 270 jobs in Berlin are at risk at Schaeffler. (according to [Berliner Zeitung](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiygFBVV95cUxQdm9HT2hnbVluZW1pcC1ILWQ2RDVNZm15ZjIzOUpHOEQ5Z294a0tRa3Q2Vzd5c2FYS2RtVXhqTUlDajI2Wk9PbkZCLXFZMkFsT2ViTFFJbHY1VWo3RkNURWF2Zk1fZ3pYOGpWQWtqci1pSmJFNkZteTFTdDRvaWZtSThoRktZNDNkWFE2SWYwUWdHQ3l6elM2UlJCdFoyTzNxN0diLXNUR0x4OUxCdkJtVVBBN3ZibEJMR2hWZU9rTWlLZ0NubE1ydGVn?oc=5)) - Schaeffler cites competitive pressure, declining demand for combustion engines and an electrification that arrived too late. (according to [Auto Plus](https://www.autoplus.fr/actualite/cet-equipementier-supprime-3-460-emplois-en-europe-et-ferme-5-usines-1474656.html?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=unknown)) **Updates** - 5 November 2026 at 00:59: Clarification: the IG Metall strike movement at Audi and Mercedes involves 3.7 million employees. - 5 November 2026 at 00:59: New detail: 270 Berlin jobs at risk at Schaeffler. - 5 November 2026 at 00:59: New official figure: German passenger car production down 7% in October to 326,300 units. **Checked on the web** _Automatic web search, official sources first; “contradicted” only when an official source is cited._ - Confirmed: Schaeffler announces the elimination of 3,460 positions in Europe. ([cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/11/03/schaeffler-job-cuts-europe.html), [bloomberg.com](http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-11-03/schaeffler-plans-job-cuts-site-closures-as-auto-demand-falters?srnd=phx-industries), [business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/volkswagen-supplier-to-cut-3-400-jobs-close-german-sites-on-weak-demand-126110301038_1.html), [live.euronext.com](https://live.euronext.com/en/financial-news/schaeffler-cut-3460-jobs-shut-five-european-plants-auto-slump-bites), [afp.com](https://www.afp.com/en/german-auto-crisis-deepens-supplier-announces-job-cuts-site-closures)) - Confirmed: Schaeffler plans to close five sites in Europe, including four in Germany (Dortmund, Morbach, Berlin, Schwalbach) and one in Belgium. ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-11-03/schaeffler-plans-job-cuts-site-closures-as-auto-demand-falters?leadSource=uverify%20wall), [cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/11/03/schaeffler-job-cuts-europe.html), [autonext.co](https://www.autonext.co/news/schaeffler-job-cuts-five-plants-herstal), [bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-11-03/schaeffler-plans-job-cuts-site-closures-as-auto-demand-falters), [afp.com](https://www.afp.com/en/german-auto-crisis-deepens-supplier-announces-job-cuts-site-closures)) - Confirmed: IG Metall is leading strikes at Audi and Mercedes, demanding a 5% pay increase versus 1.3% and covering 3.7 million employees. ([cnbc.com](http://www.cnbc.com/2026/11/03/schaeffler-job-cuts-europe.html), [bloomberg.com](http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-11-03/schaeffler-plans-job-cuts-site-closures-as-auto-demand-falters?srnd=phx-industries), [afp.com](https://www.afp.com/en/german-auto-crisis-deepens-supplier-announces-job-cuts-site-closures), [wsj.com](http://www.wsj.com/business/autos/schaeffler-to-cut-further-3-460-jobs-in-europe-as-auto-industry-deteriorates-a20e3780), [afp.com](https://www.afp.com/de/node/3850893)) ## Background _Context and reference points, separate from the story’s news; every item links to its source._ **Key terms** - **Restructuring**: Reorganisation of the structure of a company or sector, which may involve calling into question all or part of its activities and lead to job cuts or closures of production or management sites. ([Wikipédia](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restructuration)) - **Warning strike**: A short‑duration protest action organised to signal discontent before possible longer actions; the term is used in sources concerning entrepreneurial movements, without a distinct formal definition. ([Wikipédia](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comit%C3%A9_national_de_gr%C3%A8ve_de_Bi%C3%A9lorussie)) - **Automotive supplier**: An industrial company that designs, manufactures and supplies components, systems or modules intended for vehicle manufacturers (original equipment) and/or the aftermarket. ([Wikipédia](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89quipementier_automobile)) - **Ifo Business Climate Index**: An indicator of business sentiment in Germany, for which sources do not provide a detailed definition; it is mentioned as signalling an improvement in the sector’s morale. ([Wikipédia](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crise_%C3%A9conomique_li%C3%A9e_%C3%A0_la_pand%C3%A9mie_de_Covid-19)) ## Sources by country and language - Germany: 66 articles, 48 outlets - France: 8 articles, 8 outlets - United States: 8 articles, 6 outlets - China: 7 articles, 6 outlets - Spain: 3 articles, 2 outlets - United Kingdom: 3 articles, 3 outlets - Canada: 2 articles, 2 outlets - Italy: 2 articles, 2 outlets - Vietnam: 2 articles, 1 outlets - Austria: 1 articles, 1 outlets - Switzerland: 1 articles, 1 outlets - India: 1 articles, 1 outlets - South Korea: 1 articles, 1 outlets - Netherlands: 1 articles, 1 outlets - Slovakia: 1 articles, 1 outlets **Languages**: German (66), English (17), French (9), Chinese (7), Spanish (3), Italian (2), Korean (1), Dutch (1), Japanese (1) ## Timeline (19 events) ### 31 October 2026 — [IG Metall threatens warning strikes from Sunday](https://mecapress.com/events/690-ig-metall-threatens-warning-strikes-from-sunday.md) The IG Metall union is stepping up pressure in the German automotive labor dispute with possible walkouts starting Sunday. 4 sources, 6 articles · Allemagne ### 31 October 2026 — [German automakers continue their decline](https://mecapress.com/events/507-german-automakers-continue-their-decline.md) German automaker figures continue to deteriorate, illustrating the sector's ongoing difficulties in Germany. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 2 November 2026 — [The German automotive crisis and lagging behind in the race for tomorrow's car](https://mecapress.com/events/2652-the-german-automotive-crisis-and-lagging-behind-in-the-race-for-tomorrow-s-car.md) An analysis explains why the German automotive industry is struggling to keep up with the technological race for the car of tomorrow. 2 sources, 2 articles · Allemagne ### 2 November 2026 — [German auto industry slows diversification of its boards of directors](https://mecapress.com/events/2432-german-auto-industry-slows-diversification-of-its-boards-of-directors.md) According to Börsen-Zeitung, the German automotive sector is slowing the trend toward diversifying profiles within its governing bodies. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 3 November 2026 — [L'industrie automobile allemande confrontée à une accumulation de facteurs négatifs](https://mecapress.com/events/2910-l-industrie-automobile-allemande-confrontee-a-une-accumulation-de-facteurs.md) La presse allemande décrit un secteur automobile confronté simultanément à plusieurs difficultés, entre coûts, demande atone et concurrence étrangère. 3 sources, 3 articles · Allemagne ### 3 November 2026 — [3 000 salariés d'Audi en grève, l'avenir d'une usine allemande en question](https://mecapress.com/events/2984-3-000-salaries-d-audi-en-greve-l-avenir-d-une-usine-allemande-en-question.md) Quelque 3 000 salariés d'Audi se sont mis en grève en Allemagne tandis que l'avenir d'un site de production du constructeur reste incertain. 1 sources, 2 articles · Allemagne ### 3 November 2026 — [Schaeffler cuts 3,460 jobs in Europe](https://mecapress.com/events/3010-schaeffler-cuts-3-460-jobs-in-europe.md) Supplier Schaeffler announces the elimination of 3,460 jobs in Europe against a backdrop of a slowdown in the automotive industry. 20 sources, 45 articles · Allemagne — Allemagne, Belgique, Slovaquie ### 3 November 2026 — [Schaeffler plans to close its Dortmund plant](https://mecapress.com/events/3820-schaeffler-plans-to-close-its-dortmund-plant.md) Supplier Schaeffler plans to close its Dortmund site, a new step in its plan to cut 3,460 jobs in Europe. 1 sources, 1 articles · Dortmund — Allemagne ### 3 November 2026 — [Débat sur l'avenir de l'Allemagne comme nation automobile](https://mecapress.com/events/3268-debat-sur-l-avenir-de-l-allemagne-comme-nation-automobile.md) La presse allemande s'interroge sur le déclin de l'industrie automobile nationale, entre pertes de compétitivité et restructurations. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 3 November 2026 — [Les constructeurs allemands cumulent les difficultés sociales, chinoises et américaines](https://mecapress.com/events/3681-les-constructeurs-allemands-cumulent-les-difficultes-sociales-chinoises-et.md) Une analyse revient sur les problèmes d'emploi, la chute des ventes en Chine et les tensions commerciales auxquels font face les constructeurs allemands. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne, Chine, États-Unis ### 3 November 2026 — [Effondrement des profits des constructeurs automobiles en mode crise](https://mecapress.com/events/3465-effondrement-des-profits-des-constructeurs-automobiles-en-mode-crise.md) Les constructeurs automobiles, notamment allemands, voient leurs bénéfices s'effondrer dans un contexte de crise sectorielle. 2 sources, 3 articles · Allemagne, Chine ### 4 November 2026 — [La presse allemande décrit la crise des constructeurs automobiles](https://mecapress.com/events/3853-la-presse-allemande-decrit-la-crise-des-constructeurs-automobiles.md) Le Nordbayerischer Kurier consacre sa une à la crise que traversent les constructeurs automobiles allemands, entre coûts, demande atone et restructurations. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 4 November 2026 — [Le moral de l'industrie automobile allemande s'améliore nettement](https://mecapress.com/events/3887-le-moral-de-l-industrie-automobile-allemande-s-ameliore-nettement.md) Selon un baromètre publié en Allemagne, le climat des affaires dans l'industrie automobile du pays s'est nettement redressé, après plusieurs mois de crise sectorielle. 2 sources, 32 articles · Allemagne ### 4 November 2026 — [La vague de faillites menace l'industrie automobile allemande](https://mecapress.com/events/4050-la-vague-de-faillites-menace-l-industrie-automobile-allemande.md) La presse allemande évoque une vague de faillites dans le secteur automobile et s'interroge sur la survie de la filière à quinze ans. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 4 November 2026 — [Un industriel traditionnel allemand veut fermer cinq usines et supprimer des milliers de postes](https://mecapress.com/events/4041-un-industriel-traditionnel-allemand-veut-fermer-cinq-usines-et-supprimer-des.md) Un acteur historique de l'industrie automobile allemande envisage la fermeture de cinq sites et la suppression de plusieurs milliers d'emplois. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 4 November 2026 — [Germany: passenger car production falls 7% in October](https://mecapress.com/events/4358-germany-passenger-car-production-falls-7-in-october.md) According to the VDA, German passenger car production dropped by 7% in October, totaling 326,300 units. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 5 November 2026 — [Le VDA réclame de meilleures conditions pour préserver l'emploi](https://mecapress.com/events/4837-le-vda-reclame-de-meilleures-conditions-pour-preserver-l-emploi.md) Le VDA avertit que la transition vers l'électrique coûte des emplois et demande une amélioration des conditions d'implantation industrielle en Allemagne. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 5 November 2026 — [L'industrie automobile allemande réduit ses budgets de recherche](https://mecapress.com/events/4814-l-industrie-automobile-allemande-reduit-ses-budgets-de-recherche.md) Selon la FAZ, les constructeurs allemands taillent dans leurs budgets de R&D, ce qui éloigne l'objectif du gouvernement fédéral en matière d'innovation. 1 sources, 1 articles · Allemagne ### 5 November 2026 — [German automotive industry drives manufacturing sector orders](https://mecapress.com/events/4834-german-automotive-industry-drives-manufacturing-sector-orders.md) Orders in German manufacturing industry are rising significantly, driven by the automotive sector. 2 sources, 3 articles · Allemagne --- Cite as: Mecapress, “Crisis in the German automotive industry: restructuring and job cuts”, https://mecapress.com/stories/164-crisis-in-the-german-automotive-industry-restructuring-and-job-cuts Methodology: https://mecapress.com/methodology