Production of the Mercedes Sprinter model will cease in Ludwigsfelde

- Production of the Mercedes Sprinter model will cease in Ludwigsfelde

In a significant development, Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to end the production of the Sprinter series in Ludwigsfelde, Brandenburg, by the end of 2029. This news, initially met with anger and concern, has sparked a call for action from local authorities and unions.

The Brandenburg state government, in response to a query from the CDU in the state parliament, confirmed the news of the production cease. However, they see future prospects for the modern plant in Ludwigsfelde and are calling for adequate compensation for the future loss of production.

The reason for this decision is the planned relocation of E-Sprinter model production to Poland. After the year 2029, the production of the E-Sprinter models will be the responsibility of the plant in Poland.

Around 2,000 employees in Ludwigsfelde currently produce Sprinter vans with open bodywork. Employment security has been negotiated for Ludwigsfelde until the end of December 2029. After 2030, there is currently no solution that could provide full compensation for the phasing out of production at a constant employment level.

Tobias Kunzmann, the first authorized representative in Ludwigsfelde, has expressed his anger at the plans. The IG Metall union in Ludwigsfelde is also against the plans of Mercedes-Benz to cease production. An action day is planned for Saturday, September 13, by the IG Metall union in Ludwigsfelde.

Danny Eichelbaum, a CDU state parliamentarian, is urging Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) to prioritize the future of the plant. He believes that the state government should work towards continuing the production of Sprinter models with internal combustion engines in Ludwigsfelde.

Mercedes-Benz offers Sprinters with both fossil fuels and electric drive, with plants in Ludwigsfelde, Düsseldorf, and Charleston (USA). The plant's capacity will be ensured until the end of 2029.

It is important to note that Germany's automakers are currently facing challenges from new competitors in China and U.S. tariffs. Initially, Mercedes-Benz did not comment on the news of ceasing production in Ludwigsfelde. The news was previously reported by "Märkische Allgemeine".

This development is a blow to the local economy and employment in Brandenburg. However, the unions and local authorities are not giving up and are working towards finding a solution that ensures the future of the plant and the jobs it provides.