Germany's automotive industry could lose 125,000 jobs by 2035, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) projected on Wednesday, urging the European Union to adopt a more technology-open approach to car regulation.
The VDA said employment in the sector could fall by a total of 225,000 jobs between 2019 and 2035. Around 100,000 jobs have already been lost since 2019, and a further decline of about 125,000 jobs is expected by 2035.
The association's outlook marks a deterioration from its 2024 forecast in cooperation with consultancy Prognos, citing weaker investment conditions in Germany and rising international competition that have limited domestic job creation, while new jobs linked to the transition to climate-neutral and digital mobility are increasingly being created abroad.
It also pointed to structural changes that are weighing on supplier employment. VDA President Hildegard Mueller cited high taxes, energy costs and labor costs as some key factors weakening the country's industrial competitiveness. "The development is concerning and shows that Germany is facing a persistent" crisis, he said.
Under current EU rules for passenger cars and vans, only battery electric and fuel cell vehicles would be allowed for new registrations from 2035, a policy that the industry group says risks around 50,000 jobs in Germany.
The VDA said a broader role for plug-in hybrids, range extenders and combustion engines using renewable fuel could significantly reduce job losses, potentially preserving around 50,000 positions.
It added that major automotive markets continue to pursue mixed technology pathways, advising that Europe should avoid a uniquely restrictive regulatory approach.
The group urged the European Parliament and EU members to introduce greater flexibility into the European Commission's Automotive Package proposals during upcoming negotiations.
German auto industry association warns of 125,000 more job losses by 2035
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the UAE's energy giant, announced that two of its key subsidiaries, ADNOC Drilling and ADNOC Distribution, delivered solid profit growth in the first quarter of this year, demonstrating operational resilience despite ongoing regional geopolitical uncertainties.
According to newly released financial reports, ADNOC Drilling generated revenue of 1.23 billion U.S. dollars in Q1, a 5-percent increase from the same period last year, while its net profit rose 2 percent to 350 million U.S. dollars. The company attributed the solid performance to a portfolio of long-term contracts, high utilization rates of equipment, and sustained operational efficiency.
ADNOC Distribution posted even stronger growth, with first-quarter net profit surging 20.7 percent year on year to 210 million U.S. dollars. The growth reflects strategic network expansion and strengthening international operations.
"[The Middle East tensions have] no impact actually in the supply of the fuel. This year versus last year, we added 13 [gas service] stations in the UAE. So, additional stations [are] bringing higher volumes. And finally, the international businesses that we have, Saudi Arabia has been growing, and Egypt has been growing also. If you look at Saudi Arabia, under the DO/CO model, Dealer Operated, Company Owned, we added roughly 40 stations," said Athmane Benzerroug, Chief Strategy, Transformation, Investor Relations and Sustainability Officer, at ADNOC Distribution.
While emphasizing supply chain stability, Benzerroug said, to address potential energy security challenges, the company is actively advancing diversification and localization of energy systems to reduce reliance on external fossil fuel sources.
Earlier this month, ADNOC announced plans to award projects worth 200 billion dirhams (about 54.46 billion U.S. dollars) between 2026 and 2028 as part of its investment strategy to accelerate growth. The projects span the full value chain, from exploration and production to refining and marketing, aimed at meeting global demand and enhancing sector resilience.
A key pillar of this transition is the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, as ADNOC Distribution is systematically deploying charging networks across its service stations.
"By the end of this year, we're going to have roughly 450 EV chargers. And by 2028, I would say 500 to 750 EV chargers. So, we are deploying in a disciplined manner," said Benzerroug.
UAE's energy giant ADNOC posts solid profit growth in Q1 despite regional tensions
