Exploding energy costs and a lack of customer cooperation are currently throwing automotive suppliers completely off track. And the current relief package will not be able to steer companies back onto a safe path. Without a state cap, a broader range of electricity supplies and company-oriented measures, energy costs in Germany will become a significant disadvantage for business locations. At the same time, SMEs need immediate support from their customers, emphasize seven associations from the sheet metal forming, solid forming, hardening technology, powder metallurgy, spring industry and metal goods sectors in a joint press release.
According to the statement, electricity price increases of 15 times the previous year and 1,000 percent gas price hikes are catapulting suppliers into hopeless situations. It calls for energy prices to be capped so as not to ruin companies and many thousands of jobs in the shortest possible time. The merit order principle, which is currently driving up prices due to electricity price fixing, should also be abolished and electricity production should be diversified. The fact that the sole procurement risk lies with the supplier is also criticized. The industry will no longer be able to act as a buffer that keeps entrepreneurial risks away from customers, they say. Payment targets, savings rituals and the binding nature of order data need to be adapted to current market conditions. According to the association's letter, the first suppliers are said to be considering leaving the automotive supply chain and looking for new business areas and cooperative customers - because they are no longer interested in the old negotiation rituals.
