Overview

• The Cost Down Europe program aims to achieve over €1 billion in permanent recurring savings by 2030 to offset declining sales and rising costs.
• About 5,000 positions at five German sites will be eliminated by 2030 largely through natural attrition and early retirement schemes.
• A framework agreement with the works council guarantees no operational layoffs before the end of 2034.
• The company recently secured a Bundeswehr order for a mid-three-digit fleet of Mercedes-Benz Arocs logistic vehicles scheduled for delivery by May 2026.
• Works council leaders challenged the unexpected job-cut figures and called for a clear growth strategy beyond cost reductions.