Autobauer: Mercedes-Benz reaktiviert Abfindungsprogramm in Deutschland

Mercedes-Benz has reinstated its voluntary severance program in Germany. The program is set to launch around December, the automaker announced from Stuttgart. Multiple media outlets had previously reported on this development. Mercedes had already initiated significant steps through its cost-cutting program to position the company for the future.

The voluntary severance program in indirect areas will be revived to continue implementing necessary structural adjustments in a responsible and socially acceptable manner. Both individual employees and executives could receive offers. The principle of double voluntariness remains in place, meaning both employees and the company must agree to resign.

Mercedes-Benz employs 108,000 people in Germany. The automaker also aims to reduce labor costs in Germany to become more competitive. Mercedes-Benz plant manager Michael Schiebe had threatened to close two plants in Germany if labor costs were not reduced. Protests against the company's plans had occurred previously. Mercedes has been struggling for a while.

In 2025, the company's profit fell by nearly half, from 10.4 billion euros to 5.3 billion euros, after dropping 28.4 percent compared to the previous year in 2024. Mercedes-Benz had previously reported consecutive earnings growth, but the weak performance in China dragged down the passenger car segment. Mercedes' profit increased by 13.5 percent from April to June compared to the previous year, rising from 957 million euros to around 1.09 billion euros.