560 Jobs Affected: Bosch Expands Site in Waiblingen - Bosch shuts down Waiblingen plant as Europe's used car market declines by 2028

Bosch has confirmed plans to close its automotive connectivity production at the Waiblingen plant by 2028. The decision follows years of falling sales and rising costs in a shrinking European market for used cars. Around 560 jobs will be affected by the shutdown, first announced in 2021.

The Waiblingen site has faced declining production and employment for years. Bosch cited excessive costs and weak demand for connectivity components as key reasons for the closure. The market for these products in Europe has halved over the past eight years, with no major new contracts to sustain operations.

A social compensation plan has been agreed with the works council. Measures include early retirement, part-time transition schemes, and voluntary severance packages. About 220 employees will be offered roles at other Bosch locations, while the remaining workforce will be supported through the wind-down.

Despite the closure, other Bosch subsidiaries at Waiblingen will continue operating. The decision comes as the wider automotive industry shifts toward newer technologies like V2X communication, 5G integration, and C-V2X standards. Major firms such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Qualcomm have invested billions in these areas, leaving traditional connectivity products behind.

Production at the Waiblingen plant will cease by 2028. The phased shutdown includes job transition support and voluntary redundancy schemes. Bosch's move reflects broader industry changes, with legacy connectivity systems losing ground to advanced digital solutions.