According to a study, there are opportunities for the struggling automotive supply industry in Saxony and Thuringia in the defense industry. "Armaments are not the only lifeline for the automotive sector," explains industry expert Werner Olle. "But companies need to position themselves more broadly and armaments can be a component of this." This could help to secure employment. As examples, he cited the production of body parts, drive components, but also vehicle and assistance systems.
Weak sales in the German automotive industry and the shift towards electromobility are affecting many suppliers. Job losses are the result. In contrast, the arms industry is experiencing strong growth and expansion due to international conflicts such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. For example, the KNDS Group has taken over the former wagon factory in Görlitz to produce tank parts there. The automotive industry is also looking at armaments projects in order to reduce overcapacity. Volkswagen, for example, is looking for a future for its plant in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, and is also in talks with armaments companies.
