Thuringia's auto industry in the crisis: E-car boom is not enough!

Thuringia's auto industry in the crisis: E-car boom is not enough!

Eisenach, Deutschland - The auto industry in Thuringia is currently exposed to violent pressure. The switch to electric vehicles is booming and East German works play a major role in European automotive production. But the challenges are great: more and more car suppliers have to deal with considerable difficulties, and the falling demand for new cars increases the existential crisis. Jens Katzek, Managing Director of the "Automotive Cluster East Germany", emphasizes how important the Thuringia location is for e-car production, but even successes such as the Opel plant in Eisenach cannot compensate for the falling new registrations. Compared to the values ​​in front of Corona pandemic, sales have dropped by 15 percent, which looks anything but rosy for numerous companies in the region.

The current figures from the Federal Republic show how strong the problems are: In May 2025, the KBA reported over 43,000 newly approved pure battery car (BEV), which means an increase of 45 percent compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, these numbers remain behind the pre-corona values. The new registrations in total are still below the figures from 2019, which is the case with the already battered suppliers. According to ADAC, 239,297 cars were re -approved in May, a slight increase in 1.2 percent. The average CO₂ emissions of the new cars also fell by 12.1 percent-a positive sign, but not enough to clear out the concerns of the industry.

The challenges for the industry

In Thuringia, many companies are faced with closure or have to shut down their facilities. Cost pressure, problems in the supply chain and political decisions put a lot of burden on the companies. Thousands of jobs are in danger and the situation affects the entire business location. However, Katzek has the hope that innovative approaches can contribute to solving the problems. Over 50 percent of the companies surveyed are planning new products for 2023 in a current survey, and almost half would like to join new business areas. This shows that despite the challenges there are also courage and innovative strength.

The greatest concern of companies remains the shortage of skilled workers and the steadily increasing raw material, material and energy costs. In a comprehensive analysis by the Thuringian cluster management, these risks, which deal with the future prospects of the automotive industry. Megatrends electromobility and digitization are very popular, which affects not only product development, but also the strategy of companies.

positive potential and outlook

Despite the difficulties, the automotive and supplier industry in Thuringia emerges as the highest sales of the industry. The results of the current studies will flow into future economic policy strategies and support offers. Ministry and LEG have set themselves the goal of making the industry future -proof and further strengthening the existing location advantages, such as technology competence and qualified employees.

Another positive signal is the continued increase in electric vehicles. According to the information on April 1, 2025, the stock of private electric cars in Germany exceeded the brand of one million. This is a clear sign that the demand for electric vehicles could remain strong in the future. The proportion of electric cars will continue to grow due to the increasing acceptance and progress in electromobility.

Here in Thuringia it is now important to set the course correctly. It will be exciting to observe how companies adapt to the new challenges and at the same time benefit from the opportunities of electromobility. The situation remains tense, but the innovative strength of the industry gives reason to hope. The comprehensive study, which will be carried out in summer 2023, could provide further valuable knowledge and help companies find the right course for the future.

For more information about the developments in the auto industry and the new numbering figures, we recommend a look at the reporting of thuringia , adac as well as the profound analysis of Leg Thuringia .