As France approaches the 2035 deadline to phase out new combustion engine cars, the future of the auto industry hangs in the balance. While there are promising developments in regions like the north of the country, where a “Battery Valley” is emerging, there is also pessimism among workers in other parts of France. The transition to electric vehicles poses a threat to the 200,000 people currently employed in the industry, leading to concerns about job stability and the future of traditional auto manufacturing.
In northeastern France, companies like Walor are facing uncertainty as the demand for traditional auto parts like transmission housings and engine manifolds decreases with the rise of electric vehicles. The lack of investment in transitioning to EV technology has left workers like Severine Person at the Vouziers facility feeling uncertain about the future. The looming closure of factories and the shrinking order book paint a grim picture for employees in this part of the country.
Conversely, the north of France presents a different story, with the establishment of battery gigafactories offering hope for the industry’s future. Companies like the Automotive Cells Company (ACC) are investing in building massive battery plants and retraining employees from traditional engine factories to work in the new facilities. While this shift signals a positive direction for job creation and sustainable manufacturing, the benefits are not equally distributed across the industry.
The transition to electric vehicles is expected to create around 17,000 new jobs in battery production and recycling facilities by 2026. However, concerns remain about the fate of workers in traditional auto manufacturing sectors. Studies project that up to 65,000 jobs in the sector are at risk by 2030, with experts like economist Bernard Jullien estimating job losses of around 40,000 in the auto parts sector over the next decade. The shift towards electric engines could further exacerbate these challenges, potentially reducing overall employment in the French auto industry to 100,000 or less.
The pressure to adapt to the changing landscape of the auto industry has raised fears of offshoring and cost-cutting measures. Industry leaders like Ludovic Bouvier worry that manufacturers may follow the playbook of the steel industry by moving production overseas to reduce expenses. While some companies like Stellantis are already manufacturing electric vehicles outside of France, there are debates about the impact of electrification on the future of car manufacturing in Europe. The potential shift towards smaller electric vehicles could influence production decisions, with implications for labor requirements and job distribution.
The French auto industry is at a crossroads, balancing the promise of technological innovation with the challenges of job displacement and industry restructuring. The transition to electric vehicles presents both opportunities and obstacles for workers and companies alike. As the deadline for phasing out combustion engine cars approaches, the industry must navigate these changes thoughtfully to ensure a sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.
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