The German automotive industry is struggling with difficulties. In mid-July 2025, Werkzeugbau Laichingen GmbH and its Mattka, WBL Holding GmbH, submitted applications to open bankruptcy proceedings. The company, founded in 1891 and currently employing about 100 employees, was not able to meet the growing financial problems – writes Moto.pl.
As the temporary trustee explains, the key factor were decreasing orders and difficulties in obtaining financing. The situation was further deteriorated by the investment abstinence of the largest car manufacturers, which translated into the lack of new orders.
“We want to set a direction so that the company can be continued” – emphasizes the trustee. In the near future talks with clients, suppliers and potential investors are planned. However, without external support, getting out of the crisis may not be possible.
The crisis in the German automotive industry is gaining momentum
Werkzeugbau Laichingen problems are not an isolated case. The German automotive industry has long been struggling with difficulties that affect not only large manufacturers, such as Mercedes or Porsche, but above all smaller suppliers and specialist companies. Transformation towards electromobility and related high investment outlays put many subcontractors on the edge of existence.
“If someone is in the greatest crisis today, it is suppliers,” notes Frank Schwope, an automotive expert from Berlin Hochschule des Mittelstands. Similar fears are expressed by Christiane Benner, chairwoman of IG Metall, who indicates growing costs and decreasing profitability as the main causes of problems in the sector.
Source: Moto.pl, Sudwest Presse
