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State Development Corporation of Thuringia (LEG Thüringen)

Mainzerhofstraße 12 | 99084 Erfurt
Telephone: 0361 5603-0
Email

Reference

Automotive in Thuringia

Global giants like Mercedes (MDC Power), Opel/Stellantis, CATL, Magna, Bosch, BMW, and BorgWarner manufacture in Thuringia. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, BMW, with the Dixi, and the six-cylinder engines of the Ley brothers from Arnstadt made automotive history.

Thuringia is driving the future – with innovative companies and research institutions that are rethinking mobility. As a region steeped in automotive tradition, Thuringia is mastering the challenges of the future and will continue to play a key role in the German and international automotive industry.

Icon Commercial properties in Thuringia

Central location in Europe

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Successful companies

Icon Companies and Technologies

Location rooted in tradition

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Skilled workers and training

Are you interested in setting up a business in Thuringia? Then please get in touch with us.

for investor advice,  for funding advice

overview

Thanks to its central location, Thuringia offers short distances to the automotive manufacturers of Germany and Europe. Besides a few large companies, flexible medium-sized enterprises are the main drivers of growth in this sector. The industry in Thuringia is characterized by a very broad range of technological expertise.

Data and facts

around

700 Pursue

around

66000 Employees

approx.

9.3 Billion euros in revenue

Product areas by number of employees

Source: own calculations, 2023

Successful in Thuringia

  • Gonvauto Thüringen

    Gonvauto handles the cutting and stamping of flat steel parts for well-known automotive manufacturers. At its Erfurter Kreuz site, Gonvauto processes more than 250,000 tons of steel annually.

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  • MDC Power

    MDC Power, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, not only builds the best engines, but also sees itself as an engine for the region and the people who live and work here.

    Almost every second Mercedes-Benz engine is built by MDC Power GmbH in Kölleda. 

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  • Borbet Thuringia

    The BORBET Group designs, develops, produces, and markets high-quality alloy wheels for the international automotive industry and specialist retailers. We have met these standards for decades through state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, patented and innovative production technologies, an efficiently organized integrated management system, and, last but not least, competent and motivated employees.

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    Our Success Stories

    Short paths within the network

    The Eisenach region is the geographical center of the industry. It is located precisely here at the geographical center of Germany.

    This means that companies investing in Thuringia benefit from its proximity to Germany's and Europe's major automotive manufacturers. Five highways connect the state to all major cities and production facilities. The airports in Erfurt, Leipzig, and Frankfurt are in close proximity. All German OEM locations can be reached by truck within five hours.

    Image description: Short paths in the network
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    skilled workers

    Cars have been manufactured in Thuringia for over a century. This tradition is reflected in the skilled workforce: Thuringian universities and companies ensure a highly qualified next generation of professionals. This guarantees access to top-level expertise in automotive engineering.

    The following universities and colleges offer engineering degree programs directly related to the automotive industry, as well as other specialized degree programs such as mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, material flow and logistics, or mobility management: 

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    Research and Development

    Automotive companies in Thuringia greatly benefit from the research landscape and the state's ambition to establish itself as one of Europe's leading technology hubs. The Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs provides institutional and funding support to automotive suppliers, enabling them to adapt to fundamental changes in the automotive industry, such as new drive systems, lightweight construction, and autonomous driving, and to profit from global competition.

    The Thuringian Innovation Center for Mobility (ThIMo) aims to support the transformation of industry towards sustainable mobility technologies. It focuses on solving pressing scientific challenges in mobility development. The center's focus is on lightweight, environmentally friendly, intelligent, digitized, and complexly networked mobility systems. The center maintains collaborations with over 200 international and national partners from industry and academia, who have access to state-of-the-art testing equipment and outstanding research and educational expertise.

    You can find an overview of the research institutions in Thuringia here.

    Thuringian R&D Portal

    Other selected research institutions, R&D service providers and technology agencies in Thuringia:

    • CiS - Research Institute for Microsensors, Erfurt
    • IMMS - Institute for Microelectronics and Mechatronics Systems, Ilmenau
    • IOF - Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, Jena
    • BITC - Battery Innovation and Technology Center, Arnstadt (branch of Fraunhofer IKTS)
    • TITK - Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research, Rudolstadt
    • GFE - Society for Manufacturing Technology and Development, Schmalkalden
    • IFW - Günter-Köhler-Institute for Joining Technology and Materials Testing, Jena
    • IMG Electronic & Power Systems , Nordhausen
    • adapt engineering, Nordhausen
    • ThEGA - Thuringian Energy and GreenTech Agency , Erfurt

    The network and innovation cluster at - automotive thüringen e. V. is the contact point for all supplier questions and actively works to secure the competitiveness and future viability of the location.

    Selected companies: Thuringia offers excellent growth opportunities for automotive manufacturers and suppliers with a wide range of expertise.

    CATL

    The Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd. (CATL), one of the world's leading producers, is building its first lithium-ion battery plant outside of China in Arnstadt. This will be the first mass production facility for electric vehicle batteries in Germany. The investment amounts to approximately €2 billion and will create 2,000 jobs. Customers include nearly all German automakers. In addition to production, research and development facilities are also planned; CATL's European logistics center will also be located in Thuringia. This will transform the Free State of Thuringia into a hub for e-mobility and battery technology.

    Further information

    MDC Power GmbH

    In 2003, the engine plant MDC Power GmbH – a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG – commenced operations. From the very first engine, the engine builders placed great emphasis on the highest quality and were able to continuously expand their product range. Today, MDC Power employees assemble their engines in numerous variants: Engines ranging from 95 to 360 hp, bearing the "Made in Thuringia" quality seal, are available and delivered to vehicle plants on five continents. They are used in almost all Mercedes-Benz passenger car and van model series – from the A-Class to the S-Class, from Mercedes-AMG to the Sprinter.

    Further information

     

    Bell Equipment

    The South African construction equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment Ltd. has a production facility in Eisenach. In 2003, the globally operating corporation established its dump truck plant in Thuringia. Bell Equipment is one of the two leading suppliers in the German dump truck market. Bell also distinguishes itself at its Thuringian location through its strong commitment to employee training and development.

    Further information

    BorgWarner Transmission Systems

    The skilled workforce, excellent transport links, and unbureaucratic support from the authorities also convinced the US automotive supplier BorgWarner. The company built two production facilities in Arnstadt to manufacture clutches for dual-clutch transmissions and all-wheel-drive systems, including those for the Bugatti Veyron.

    Further information

    Borbet

    Since 2004, BORBET has operated the largest production facility for aluminum wheels in Europe in Bad Langensalza, Thuringia, employing over 900 people. The Bad Langensalza location was chosen for good reason: It has always had, and continues to have, a large number of qualified specialists in aluminum and magnesium casting.

    Further information

    Image description: Logo Hidden Champions in Thuringia

    High-performing companies that impress in Germany, Europe, or worldwide.

    Hidden Champions in Thuringia

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    Other companies

    You can find more companies in the automotive industry in Thuringia in our company and technology database.

    Companies in the industry

    Downloads and information material

    • Auto Monitor Study 2024

      Auto Monitor 2024

      Annual survey on the status of the Thuringian automotive and supplier industry, including outlook (document is not accessible)

      Automonitor 2024 [pdf file , 3 MB]

    automotive thüringen e. V.
    The network and innovation cluster at - automotive thüringen e. V. is the contact point for all supplier questions and actively works to secure the competitiveness and future viability of the location.

    Electromobility in Thuringia:
    Electromobility is a key factor in making transport sustainable and climate-friendly. ThEGA provides support in this area – for example, through practical initial consultations, networking, the expansion of charging stations, and the organization of action days.

    Showroom Science
    The Showroom Science is a portal for companies looking for specialized partners in research and development.

    Specialization area "Sustainable and intelligent mobility and logistics of the Thuringian Cluster Management":
    Intelligent mobility and transport concepts "made in Thuringia", with high-tech products and a long tradition in vehicle manufacturing

    Virtual Automobile Thuringia:
    Build (almost) an entire car with vehicle components from Thuringia!

    Thuringian Innovation Center for Mobility – ThIMO
    ThIMO supports the transition to sustainable mobility. Its focus is on lightweight, environmentally friendly, intelligent, digitized, and complexly networked mobility systems.

    News and Events

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    Innovative Thuringia

    Specialization area: Sustainable and intelligent mobility and logistics.

    Image description: Investor service of LEG Thüringen

    Investor advice

    Individual, competent, unbureaucratic and flexible.

    Image description: Teaser funding advice

    Funding advice

    We provide project-specific advice on investment grants, loans, equity investments and guarantees.

    contact person

    Your contact person

    contact person

    Jörg Griethe

    Jörg Griethe, Project Manager for Mobility and Mechanical Engineering

    Invest in Thuringia

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