Proposal requested for a directive safeguarding workers from radiological hazards
In a recent visit to Ingolstadt, Christian De Lapuente, Audi's chief representative and head of the company's works council, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive support for the Bavarian automotive industry. The specific challenges facing the sector were not detailed, but De Lapuente expressed concern over Audi's current state and emphasised the need for immediate action to protect Bavarian jobs.
During the visit, De Lapuente met with local officials, including Holger Grießhammer, the SPD faction leader in the Bavarian Landtag. The discussions focused on the difficult economic situation in Bavaria and the need for broad-based economic policy support to master the challenge of transformation.
The visit also included appointments at the State Vocational School I and a local craft business, though the specific business was not named. The purpose of these meetings was not disclosed, but it is likely that they were aimed at exploring potential solutions and collaborations to support the industry.
In addition to De Lapuente's call for support, the SPD in Bayern has demanded a 'Bayern billion' for future investments in electric motors and batteries. This funding would be used to bolster the industry's transition towards electric vehicles and support the development of innovative technology.
Bavaria is actively pursuing multi-level initiatives to provide a supportive framework for the automotive industry. For example, the Bavarian Chips Alliance aims to strengthen supply chains and intensify collaboration between industry, science, and users to secure semiconductor supply crucial for automotive production and innovation.
The Bavarian State Chancellery is also fostering cross-border projects such as the Munich-Prague 5G Corridor to develop infrastructure supporting connected and autonomous vehicles. This collaboration with automotive leaders and research institutions allows testing and deployment of new mobility solutions that companies like Audi could benefit from as part of the evolving automotive ecosystem.
On the EU level, significant funding and regulatory frameworks are being implemented to support decarbonization, electric vehicle infrastructure, and battery production. Germany has approved substantial state aid measures, including those targeting battery manufacturing capacity, which are critical for the future competitiveness of Bavarian automotive firms like Audi.
Upcoming events such as Tech Days 2025 in Munich emphasise digital transformation and innovation within Bavarian industry, with an ethical and sustainable approach to technology integration. This innovation environment supports automotive companies to advance in AI and digital responsibility—key areas for Audi’s strategic development.
Approximately 40,000 people work at Audi, and the impact of the industry's struggles is felt beyond the company, affecting families and related businesses in the region. It is clear that the support of the Bavarian government and EU initiatives will be crucial in helping Audi and the broader automotive sector navigate the challenges of the current landscape and position themselves for a successful future.
- The Bavarian automotive industry, including Audi, is facing significant challenges, and De Lapuente has emphasized the need for immediate policy-and-legislation support to protect Bavarian jobs.
- In addition to De Lapuente's call for support, the SPD in Bayern has demanded a 'Bayern billion' for future investments in electric motors and batteries, to bolster the industry's transition towards electric vehicles and support the development of innovative technology.
- The Bavarian State Chancellery is fostering cross-border projects, such as the Munich-Prague 5G Corridor, to develop infrastructure supporting connected and autonomous vehicles, which could benefit companies like Audi.
- On the EU level, substantial funding and regulatory frameworks are being implemented to support decarbonization, electric vehicle infrastructure, and battery production, which are critical for the future competitiveness of Bavarian automotive firms like Audi.
