Materials are becoming more expensive, parts are not being purchased, energy prices are rising. The automotive industry's supply chain is on the verge of collapse. "Destructive market barriers, production stops due to chip shortages and drastically increased energy costs are becoming a ruinous mix for suppliers. And are jeopardizing Germany as a business location," says IBU Managing Director Bernhard Jacobs. Four industry associations are jointly addressing key customer groups in the automotive industry with an urgent letter. The authors are the Industrieverband Blechumformung e.V. (IBU), the Industrieverband Massivumformung e.V. (IMU), the Deutsche Schraubenverband e.V. (DSV) and the Verband der Deutschen Federnindustrie e.V. (VDFI).
"Situation highly dangerous for medium-sized supplier structure"
Bernhard Jacobs describes the situation as "highly dangerous" for the SME supplier structure. "As it is difficult to identify those responsible, we are calling for OEMs and suppliers to join forces. We are also calling on the government to limit energy costs, as high prices are further fueling the crisis."
"Need reliable production figures and transparent call-off planning"
The industry associations are focusing the attention of car manufacturers on maintaining supply chains: "We need reliable production figures and call-off planning from our customers." They recommend that their members hold customers accountable: "They should only order primary material if the purchase of the parts is definitely guaranteed." The German Steel and Metal Processing Association (WSM) has once again legally assessed the legally binding nature of delivery call-offs and made them available to its member companies.
Call to OEMs: Don't pass on chip risk - mitigate problems
Chip shortage forces car manufacturers to restrict production: Opel Eisenach closes until the end of the year, VW pauses in Wolfsburg until mid-October. System suppliers - such as ZF Getriebe - are expecting a tight supply of semiconductors until at least the end of 2022. According to DSV Managing Director Hans Führlbeck, this is causing a 30% drop in sales for suppliers, combined with liquidity bottlenecks due to postponed and unaccepted finished goods. He appeals to OEMs not to pass on the chip risk: "Even if manufacturers sometimes don't know when they will receive which quantities of electronic components: They have a contractual obligation to their suppliers. Solutions are needed that cushion their problems. The OEMs' good earnings situation certainly allows for this."
Appeal to the state: energy prices must not exacerbate the crisis
The industry associations are calling on the government not to exacerbate the crisis. "Our tax-driven energy prices are placing an unreasonable burden on the industry. Especially in international competition," emphasizes Wolfgang Hermann, Managing Director of the VDFI. IMU Managing Director Tobias Hain adds: "France is responding to the current situation with an energy cap to protect industry, while Germany is increasing prices." The industry representatives consider the timing for CO2 levies and EEG surcharge increases to be "absolutely wrong". The SME sector is facing huge challenges and investment reserves must be generated for the transformation. "Those who leave suppliers alone now are endangering Germany as a business location," emphasize IBU, IMU, DSV and VDFI.
