Thirty thousand jobs in German car dealerships and service workshops are currently at risk, according to the president of the dealers’ trade association, the Zentralverband Deutsche Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe (ZDK), Robert Rademacher.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Around 470,000 people are employed in 40,000 dealers and workshops represented by the trade association but this figure is expected to fall, according to Rademacher, speaking to the Frankfurte Allgemeine Zeitung.


The ZDK is forecasting a further fall in car sales in Germany in 2009 to just 2.8m units. Last year sales were 3.1m units.


The ZDK is slightly more pessimistic than the vehicle manufacturers trade association, the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), which forecast 2.9m for 2009.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Auto Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now