German Automotive Workforce Falls by 42,300, Lowest Since 2005

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JAKARTA - The number of workers in the German automotive industry fell by 42,300 people in a year to the first half of 2026. The figure brings the number of workers in the sector to the lowest level since 2005.

Anadolu Agency quoted Friday, August 14, citing data from the German statistical office, Destatis, showed that the automotive industry employed 691,500 people at the end of the first half of 2026. This figure was down 5.8 percent compared to the same period last year.

The decline was the largest among Germany's major industrial sectors, which each employ more than 200,000 people.

Despite the decline, the automotive industry is still the second largest industrial employer in Germany. The first position is occupied by the mechanical engineering sector with 905,900 workers.

The sharpest decline occurred in parts and accessories suppliers. The number of employees decreased by 7.6 percent to 219,500 people.

The workforce at the motor vehicle and engine maker also fell 6.1 percent to 429,200 people.

In contrast, the number of workers at vehicle body, vehicle structure, and trailer manufacturers rose 10 percent to 42,800 people.

Overall, the German manufacturing sector employed 5.29 million people at the end of the first half of 2026. That number was down 144,100 people or 2.7 percent from a year earlier.

The decline in labor also occurred in the metal products industry by 3.8 percent, basic metals by 3.7 percent, the chemical industry by 3.6 percent, and the manufacture of electrical equipment by 3.4 percent.

The number of workers in the mechanical engineering sector fell by 2.7 percent. Smaller declines were also seen in the plastics, food, and computer, electronic, and optical products manufacturing industries.