Automobile industry in Thuringia: Departure into the future of electricity!

Automobile industry in Thuringia: Departure into the future of electricity!

Thüringen, Deutschland - The automotive industry in Germany is currently experiencing an eventful time. The pioneering role that she takes up in decarbonization and digitization is undisputed. A departure is noticeable, even if the sales of electric cars in Europe stagnated in Europe in 2024 and the new registrations in Germany have decreased by 27 %, as [Wirtschaftspiegel Thuringia] (https://wirtschaftspiegel-thueringen.com/2025/06/24/automotive voice-im-verband-spuertar/). Despite these challenges, many companies continue to invest in electromobility as well as in climate -neutral production and digital processes.

The Association of Automotive Thuringia, which has published over 45 specialist publications on automatic structural change since 2019, sees the transformation as an exciting but also demanding challenge. The needs for the qualification of the workforce and the integration of everyone involved are at the top of the agenda. Different opinions on the ban on combustion engines from 2035 illuminate the discussion. While some companies consider the prohibition as a threat of existence, others see opportunities for new business areas.

challenges and adjustments

There is a clear trend in the industry: the transformation focuses on alternative drives, while classic combustion technology is continuously becoming important. A majority of companies, especially 52, follows a so-called Harvest approach with the aim of further developing their own skills (Deloitte). Eight companies, in turn, see no reason to tackle their transformation, often because of components that do not have to do directly with the drive technology.

The progress is divided into seven phases, starting with an exclusive focus on combustion technologies up to a focus on electromobility. The companies that rely early on this vehicle class are already enjoying the fruits. While Tesla and BYD benefit from their decisions, the German manufacturers, such as VW, have to deal with factory closures and job cuts due to the sunken sales figures and the increasing competition from China.

future prospects

electromobility is not just a trend, but a necessity to achieve the climate goals. Current electrical cars offer ranges from 150 to over 500 km, and progress in battery technology plays a decisive role in the acceptance of these vehicles (HTTPS://hanse-interimmanagement.de/markt/elektromobilitaet-Transformation-der- automobile industry/)). However, the need for a robust charging infrastructure and the coping of the high acquisition costs remain great challenges for the industry.

All of these aspects clarify that real changes are necessary. The industry must use the opportunity to learn from the current Situation and toast politically required relief for energy and location costs. This is the only way to build a stable future for the automotive industry in Germany.