Autoindustrie: Mercedes-Benz reaktiviert Abfindungsprogramm in Deutschland

Mercedes-Benz has reactivated its voluntary severance program in Germany to socially responsible "structural adjustments" as part of its productivity offensive. The automaker announced the program's restart in December, following reports from several media outlets. Mercedes had previously implemented significant steps through its cost-cutting program to position the company for a sustainable future.

The reactivated voluntary severance program will provide indirect benefits to tariff employees and some executives. The company maintains the principle of dual voluntary participation, requiring both employees and the company to agree to a departure. Mercedes-Benz employs 108,000 people in Germany, and the firm aims to drastically reduce labor costs to become more competitive. Earlier, Mercedes had threatened to close two factories in Germany if Germany's costs were not reduced.

Management's plans have faced protests in the past. Mercedes-Benz has struggled to perform well, with profits shrinking by nearly half to €5.3 billion in 2023, down from €10.4 billion in 2022. The profit dropped 28.4% year-over-year in 2024. Although Mercedes-Benz saw a profit increase in Q2 2024, the weak performance in China's auto market hurt the passenger car segment.

In Q2 2024, the profit rose 13.5% compared to the same period in the previous year, reaching €1.09 billion from €957 million. More: Employees of Mercedes are expected to return to the office four days a week.