Major insolvencies 2026: Automotive industry particularly affected

Background to the crisis

Allianz Trade sees several structural reasons for the increase in major insolvencies. These include a weakening global economy, high energy and raw material costs, and uncertainty caused by global trade tensions. Many companies are struggling with declining orders and rising financing costs.

„Wir erwarten auch im weiteren Jahresverlauf keine nachhaltige Entspannung“, says Maxime Lemerle, head of Allianz Trade. The forecast for the full year 2026 is correspondingly subdued.

A similar picture is emerging internationally: In Switzerland and other European markets, the number of major bankruptcies is also rising. According to Allianz Trade, the economic framework conditions remain tense.

Impact on the labor market

The development has an impact on the labor market. Major insolvencies generally mean the loss of numerous jobs and can affect entire supply chains. The employment effects are particularly noticeable in regions with a strong automotive industry.

For the coming months, experts do not expect any noticeable improvement. The combination of economic weakness, geopolitical risks, and structural challenges in the automotive industry – such as the transition to electric mobility – continues to weigh on companies.

The financing situation of many large companies also remains tense. According to Allianz Trade, banks and investors are acting more cautiously, making it more difficult to refinance existing loans and to grant new funds. This increases the pressure on high-margin business models.

International comparison and outlook

Another factor is the increasing competitive pressure from international rivals, particularly from Asia. German automakers are losing market share while investments in new technologies and production capacity remain high.

The study authors emphasize that the current wave of major insolvencies is not a purely German phenomenon, but rather an expression of broader European economic weakness. Recovery is not expected to begin until next year, provided global framework conditions stabilize.