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Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker, is currently facing significant challenges, including declining sales and production figures. In its prime, the main plant in Wolfsburg produced approximately 800,000 vehicles annually; however, by 2023, this number had dropped to around 490,000.
Prof. Anja Schulze from the University of Zurich explains that Volkswagen is grappling with overcapacity and weak sales, particularly in China, where the market has seen a notable downturn.
In response to these challenges, Volkswagen is considering drastic measures, including the potential closure of at least three plants in Germany. This situation has raised concerns among Swiss automotive suppliers about the potential impact on their operations. Prof. Schulze notes that while Swiss suppliers are less dependent on the automotive sector compared to counterparts like ZF, with many being SMEs active in various industries, the ripple effects of Volkswagen’s crisis could still affect them.
Additionally, the election of Donald Trump and his proposed trade policies have introduced further uncertainties. Prof. Schulze points out that while tariffs are generally detrimental to global trade and could negatively impact Swiss suppliers, the situation should not be viewed too pessimistically. The actual effects will depend on factors such as the location of companies’ foreign operations and their involvement in other sectors.
In summary, Prof. Schulze emphasizes that while Swiss suppliers may face challenges due to Volkswagen’s current situation and potential international trade policy changes, their diversified activities across various industries may help mitigate some of these risks.
