Leipzig's transport revolution also depends on the success of Heiterblick GmbH. The long-established company from the west of Leipzig is to supply new streetcars for LVB from 2026. However, despite the prestigious major contract, the manufacturer is now in financial difficulties - and has initiated restructuring proceedings under self-administration.
Importance for Leipzig's mobility and causes of the crisis
Heiterblick is the only independent streetcar manufacturer in Germany. In Leipzig and Grimma, vehicles are manufactured individually according to customer requirements - including for cities such as Hanover, Dortmund and Würzburg. Together with Kiepe Electric, Heiterblick won the contract for new streetcars in Leipzig, Görlitz and Zwickau in 2021. Two thirds of the added value is to remain in Central Germany - a significant boost for regional industry.
Despite ongoing orders, the company came under pressure: the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic, price increases due to the war in Ukraine and disrupted supply chains made production more difficult. Many contracts were still concluded on pre-crisis terms, while deliveries were delayed. The result: liquidity problems. The contract with the LVB has since been renegotiated.
