Mercedes-Benz sells branch in Neu-Ulm: What does that mean for the employees?

Mercedes-Benz sells branch in Neu-Ulm: What does that mean for the employees?

In a significant turn for the automotive industry in Germany, Mercedes-Benz announced the upcoming sale of his own car dealerships. This was recently recognizable by the first transaction, in which the branch in Neu-Ulm is handed over to the car dealers Kreutter Kreutter Schäfer and Abel+Ruf. The change of ownership will be carried out on December 1, as reported by the Augsburger Allgemeine . This decision affects around 8,000 employees in about 80 companies, and although there are many questions in the room, Mercedes assures that nothing will change for the employees in Neu-Ulm.

But how did this step come about? The group already announced in January to examine the sale of its car dealerships. In the past few months, intensive negotiations between the works council, unions and corporate management, which were also accompanied by numerous protests by the employees. For example, 25,000 employees took part in a nationwide day of action for their labor rights, as reported by the IG Metall . The agreement on the sales strategy, which was lengthy, comprises cornerstones that should ensure that no dismissals will be issued by the end of 2029 and the transitional compensation is 85,000 euros.

conversation with the participants

In a works meeting, the almost 200 employees in Neu-Ulm were informed about the change of ownership. The sales price remains under lock and key, but there are clear requirements for buyers: you have to have sufficient trade expertise and economic strength. Mercedes-Benz also excludes sales to pure financial investors. According to a Mercedes spokesman, customer care remains unchanged, which should make the transition easier.

Christine Kuwaldt, the works council chairman of the branch in Frankfurt/Offenbach, critically comments on the decision and describes the step as strategically wrong. However, IG Metall does everything possible to secure the rights of employees and sees the sale not only as a danger, but also as an opportunity for securing the future in retail. Other works councils also offer different perspectives on the negotiations and their challenges, as an example, the words of Javier Pato Otero, first authorized representative of IG Metall Mainz-Wiesbaden, can be mentioned, which also expresses concerns.

A look into the future

The two buyers, Kreutter Medele Schäfer and Abel+Ruf, have also founded a new company and now operate 15 locations in an economically potent market from Nördlingen to the Austrian border. In 2024, these gatherings suffered sales of over 575 million euros and employed around 1200 people. Observers can also expect further transactions in the coming weeks, since discussions are already underway with other potential buyers.