Opel closes test centers: Almost 300 jobs in Hesse affected!

Opel closes test centers: Almost 300 jobs in Hesse affected!

The automotive industry in Germany is facing enormous challenges, and this is now also noticeable in Cologne. How FNP reported that Opel's test centers in Rodgau-Dudenhofen and Rüsselsheim are on the verge of closure. Segula Technologies GmbH, the operator of these important test sites, has filed for bankruptcy and has not found any new investors. As a result, 287 employees will be laid off at the end of October.

Almost 300 jobs are therefore at risk, which represents a worrying situation for those affected. Although a small team will handle the installations by the end of the year, most will have to look for new opportunities. In order to counteract the loss, a transfer company is founded for 82 long-time employees at the Dudenhofen location. This was a crucial demand from IG Metall in order to offer the employees a perspective.

The pressure on the automotive industry

Hardly any other industry has been under as much pressure as the automotive industry in recent years. How car dealership reports, the German industry is struggling with the transition to e-mobility and the development of autonomous vehicles. High-tech solutions are necessary, but investments in new technologies are enormous. The dependence on internal combustion engines is becoming increasingly critical, especially at a time when sales in the German automotive industry have already fallen in 2024.

These developments make it clear that the automotive industry is now facing fundamental change. Trade conflicts, reduced demand in Europe and competitive pressure, especially from Chinese manufacturers, are contributing to uncertainty in the industry. Although German automobile brands have a good reputation in the combustion engine sector in China, they are lagging behind in the electric car segment.

The future of test centers

In the case of Opel, the future of the test site in Dudenhofen remains uncertain. This center, one of the largest in Europe, was opened in 1966 and includes various test tracks, including a circular high-speed track with a diameter of 1.6 kilometers. Testing activities will be temporarily halted while Segula Technologies continues to negotiate with Opel about a new operator of the site. Loud Statista It will have to be seen not only in our own country but also on the international market whether and how German manufacturers can adapt to the new circumstances and market conditions.

The developments in Rodgau-Dudenhofen are a clear sign that a rethink is necessary in the industry. It remains to be hoped that both the affected employees and the companies will find new ways to overcome today's challenges.