Government Official Urges Auto Companies: Prioritize Investment in Western Regions Instead of Prioritizing Eastern Areas First
In the automotive industry, German car manufacturers, including Mercedes, are implementing nationwide austerity programs to address economic challenges and shifting market demands. This trend has raised concerns, particularly in Eastern Germany, where Minister Daniel Keller of Brandenburg has expressed his disapproval.
Keller, the current Minister of Economy, intends to meet with Mercedes in Stuttgart to discuss the future of the Ludwigsfelde location, a plant that produces Sprinter vans. His concern stems from the potential job cuts the IG Metall union fears may occur from 2030 onwards.
Keller has been vocal about consolidating jobs at the expense of Eastern Germany being "unacceptable." His predecessor, Joerg Steinbach (SPD), also intervened in the matter, seeking contact with Mercedes' management in Stuttgart.
Mercedes has assured employees at the Ludwigsfelde plant that their jobs are secure until the end of 2029. However, the specific details of how the company plans to address challenges such as new competitors in China and US tariffs have not been disclosed.
Notably, there have been no new job cuts at the Mercedes plant in Ludwigsfelde beyond the end of 2029, according to the company's assurance to employees.
The looming threat of US tariffs and new competitors in China present significant challenges for German car manufacturers, including Mercedes. Keller has criticized car manufacturers with plants in Dresden, Zwickau, and Ludwigsfelde, specifically mentioning Volkswagen and Audi in Dresden and Zwickau, and Mercedes in Ludwigsfelde.
Minister Keller demands a clear statement from Mercedes about future production at the Ludwigsfelde location, hoping to alleviate the fears of potential job losses and ensure the continued growth of the region's automotive industry.
[1] TikTok posts featuring the Mercedes 2025 CLE450 Coupe and other models have circulated, but they focus on showcasing vehicles rather than production strategy or factory plans.
[2-5] Other search results discuss related Mercedes models or used vehicle sales but do not address factory production planning or austerity measures.
For precise future production plans at Ludwigsfelde amidst austerity programs, consulting the latest corporate press releases from Mercedes-Benz or authoritative automotive industry reports directly would be necessary.
- Minister Daniel Keller, in an effort to secure the future of the Ludwigsfelde plant, which produces Sprinter vans, has arranged a meeting with Mercedes to discuss job security and production plans beyond 2029.
- Keller's concern comes from potential job cuts that the IG Metall union anticipates from 2030, with eastern Germany being particularly vulnerable to such reductions.
- As the German automotive industry faces challenges such as new competitors in China and US tariffs, Keller has requested a clear statement from Mercedes about the future production at the Ludwigsfelde location to alleviate fears and ensure the growth of the region's automotive industry.
