Finance

Continental to cut further 3,000 jobs in R&D in automotive branch

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 18, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 26, 2026

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Continental's automotive branch job cuts impacting R&D - Global Banking & Finance Review
Image illustrating Continental's decision to reduce 3,000 R&D jobs in its automotive division, highlighting the impact of restructuring in the finance and automotive sectors.
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(Reuters) -Continental's automotive branch plans to cut 3,000 jobs in its research and development segment by the end of 2026, the company said on Tuesday. The move comes on top of 7,000 job cuts

Continental to Eliminate 3,000 R&D Jobs in Automotive Division

(Reuters) -Continental's automotive branch plans to cut 3,000 jobs in its research and development segment by the end of 2026, the company said on Tuesday.

The move comes on top of 7,000 job cuts already announced by the company in a restructuring programme that has been in the works for over a year.

Continental also aims to reduce its R&D ratio to below ten percent by 2027, the company added.

Less than half of the job cuts will take place in Germany, Continental said, with sites in Babenhausen and in Frankfurt being the most affected, with a 12% and 5% reduction planned respectively, Continental said.

Further affected sites would be Ingolstadt, Regensburg and Schwalbach, the company added.

Additional measures are also to be taken at the Elekrobit and Continental Engineering Services subsidiaries, where a total of 900 people are to be laid off. Of those, 660 will be in Germany.

Europe's automotive sector is struggling with weak demand, higher production costs and competition from China, which has led many companies in the sector to announce layoffs and plant closures.

(Reporting by Isabel Demetz in GdanskEditing by Madeline Chambers)

Key Takeaways

  • Continental to cut 3,000 R&D jobs by 2026.
  • Less than half of the cuts will occur in Germany.
  • Sites in Babenhausen and Frankfurt most affected.
  • Additional cuts at Elektrobit and Continental Engineering Services.
  • European automotive sector faces weak demand and high costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs is Continental planning to cut?
Continental plans to cut 3,000 jobs in its research and development segment by the end of 2026.
What is the reason behind the job cuts?
The job cuts are part of a restructuring program due to weak demand, higher production costs, and competition from China.
Which locations in Germany will be most affected by the layoffs?
The sites in Babenhausen and Frankfurt will be most affected, with a 12% and 5% reduction planned respectively.
What is Continental's goal for its R&D ratio?
Continental aims to reduce its R&D ratio to below ten percent by 2027.
How many additional layoffs are expected at Continental's subsidiaries?
A total of 900 people are expected to be laid off at the Elekrobit and Continental Engineering Services subsidiaries, with 660 of those in Germany.

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