Automotive suppliers ‌in Saxony-anhalt⁢ are navigating a critical period ⁣of ‌repositioning as the German automotive industry undergoes a notable transformation. The shift towards electric vehicles is creating both challenges and opportunities​ for businesses in the region.

Pressure to Diversify Beyond Combustion Engines

Marco Langhof, President of the Saxony-Anhalt employers and business associations, ⁤emphasized the urgency of ‌the situation,‌ stating⁢ that relying on the continued production of combustion⁢ engine components is no‌ longer a viable strategy. Suppliers must actively integrate into emerging value chains, ‌particularly those focused on battery technologies, advanced control systems, and sensor development. Langhof also‍ underscored the necessity of ​robust ​political support to facilitate this transition.

Production Lags and Potential Job losses

Current production figures across the german‍ automotive sector remain below pre-pandemic ⁤levels ⁢recorded in 2019. despite⁢ the ⁤growth of the electric vehicle market, it has not yet fully compensated for the decline​ in demand ‌for combustion engine vehicles.⁤ The German​ Association of the Automotive Industry projects a potential loss of up to 190,000 jobs nationwide by 2035 as an inevitable result of this shift. The Ministry of Economics ‌in Magdeburg identifies suppliers specializing in combustion engine ⁣parts as being particularly vulnerable to ‍these pressures.

Identifying New ⁣Avenues ⁢for Growth

Despite ​the challenges,‍ opportunities exist for Saxony-Anhalt’s automotive‍ sector. Jens Lücke, chairman of the‍ Sahreg automotive network, ⁢points to potential diversification into related industries such⁣ as mining, shipbuilding, and defense. This⁣ suggests a strategy ‍of leveraging existing‌ expertise‍ and infrastructure to serve new markets and ⁤mitigate the impact of the automotive⁣ transition.