This move was already expected. Many people are surprised that everything will be fixed in the summer: Mercedes-Benz is considering selling its branches in Germany. The company officially announced that this applies to all self-owned Car Dealerships and workshops. “Mercedes-Benz is open to discussions with potential buyers of the group's subsidiaries.”

Only experienced companies will be considered as buyers. “We do not plan to sell to purely financial investors, and closing sites is not part of the review.” In addition, there are no plans to sell all branches as one package.

8,000 employees were affected

In total there are 80 companies with a total of 8,000 employees. The statement said: “Actual trading has been and will continue to be a fundamental pillar of Mercedes-Benz’s success.” Employees should not be laid off nor branches closed. The company also strives to closely coordinate with the works council. Job security for all collective bargaining employees also continues through 2029. It remains unclear whether the new companies will pay the same salaries.

The employee side must approve the sale. According to a report in Handelsblatt, a basic agreement should be reached with the works councils by the summer. Mercedes has already sold its own subsidiaries abroad in recent years, and only has its own car Dealerships in Germany.