Automotive

The automotive industry is a central economic sector in Bremen and has shaped the region for over a century. Vehicles have been produced here since 1906, and cars with the famous star have been rolling off the production line at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen for more than four decades. With around 12,000 employees, the plant is the largest private employer in the region. Besides its long tradition, Bremen is also a location for innovations and pioneering developments in the automotive industry.

Nine different models are currently manufactured in Bremen, including the C-Class sedan and station wagon, the CLE coupe and convertible, the GLC off-road vehicle, the GLC coupe, the Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster and GT models, and the EQE. The plant not only produces vehicles with combustion engines but also with electric drives. Thanks to its state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, the plant is flexible and can react quickly to changing market requirements or increasing demand for electric vehicles.

A strong network of over 40 supplier companies has developed around the plant, employing a total of around 17,000 people. In addition to classic components, these companies produce innovative technologies, such as sensors for autonomous driving systems, electric drive components, and advanced materials. This efficient and powerful network makes Bremen an important center of the automotive industry.

The Hansalinie business park - in the immediate vicinity of the Mercedes-Benz plant and conveniently situated on the A1 motorway - has established itself as an attractive location for suppliers. Currently, over 100 companies with around 6,000 employees are located there. The automotive industry also plays an important role in Bremerhaven. The AutoTerminal Bremerhaven is one of the largest car ports in the world, with an annual turnover of around 1.5 million vehicles. In addition, BLG operates several technology centers in Bremerhaven, which are described as the "largest car repair shop in Europe".

The industry has geared itself towards the future: production of the first fully electric Mercedes-Benz of the EQ series started in Bremen in 2019. Research institutes in the region are working intensively on new materials and drive concepts and are testing the electrified, networked, and autonomous mobility of the future. The Automotive Nordwest association is committed to establishing a strong network for the entire northern German automotive industry and to further increasing the region's competitiveness.