Bosch warns Chinese competition is putting European auto jobs under pressure

Friday 18 September 2026 - 23:23

By: Azzat Manal

Bosch warns Chinese competition is putting European auto jobs under pressure

German automotive supplier Bosch has warned that growing competition from Chinese companies is putting increasing pressure on Europe’s automotive industry, prompting calls for stronger European policies to support local manufacturing and protect jobs across the sector.

Bosch, one of the world’s largest automotive parts suppliers, has raised concerns over the expanding presence of Chinese manufacturers in the European market, particularly in the commercial vehicle segment. The company is calling for measures at the European level to strengthen production within the continent and preserve the competitiveness of European suppliers.

Markus Heyn, head of Bosch’s Mobility business sector, said Chinese companies have gained a stronger foothold in Europe’s commercial vehicle market and are increasingly competing for contracts and orders that have traditionally been an important source of business for European manufacturers and suppliers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the international commercial vehicle show in Hanover, Heyn told the German Press Agency that both China and the United States are pursuing policies designed to increase domestic value creation and expand production within their respective markets, although they are using different approaches.

The concerns extend beyond the competitiveness of individual companies. Employee representatives at Bosch have also called for European-level measures aimed at limiting the potential impact of growing competition on employment in the automotive sector.

According to Reuters, worker representatives argue that policies encouraging companies to maintain production in Europe could help strengthen local manufacturing networks and support jobs across the industry.

The calls come as Europe’s automotive sector faces several major changes at the same time. Manufacturers and suppliers are dealing with stronger competition from Chinese companies, the transition toward electric vehicles, rising production costs and the continuing restructuring of global supply chains.

The growing presence of Chinese manufacturers is creating challenges across the automotive value chain, extending beyond finished vehicles to components and commercial vehicles. This has increased attention on European industrial policy and its potential role in supporting manufacturers, suppliers and workers.

For Europe’s automotive industry, the debate reflects a broader question over how the region can maintain its industrial base while adapting to technological changes and increasingly competitive global markets. The outcome could have implications for investment, production capacity and employment across one of Europe’s most important industrial sectors.