In the survey, 85 percent of companies stated that they were heavily or even very heavily burdened by bureaucracy. It has already been one of the top burdens for companies in previous surveys, but the value has never been higher than in the current survey (May: 72 percent; February: 62 percent). Many companies complain that the effort required for reports that do not add value is increasing, tying up capacity and causing high costs. In addition, processes in public administration are often time-consuming and complicated, whereas simple and particularly digital solutions are missing.
Large majority heavily burdened by high electricity prices
Another result of the survey: Energy costs - especially for electricity - continue to be one of the central challenges for the automotive supply industry and medium-sized automotive companies in Germany. 71 percent of companies say they are heavily or even very heavily burdened by the high electricity price. The situation has eased slightly (May: 74 percent, February: 82 percent), but a good seven out of ten companies are still suffering from the high electricity price. 59 percent of companies are still severely or very severely challenged by gas prices (May: 59 percent, February: 73 percent).
Increasing focus on order situation
In addition, the order situation is increasingly coming into focus. While in May 42 percent of companies said that a lack of orders was currently only a minor or no challenge at all, only 22 percent said this in the current survey. In contrast, 41 percent said that a lack of orders represents a major or very major challenge (May: 2023: 31 percent, February 2023: 21 percent). This reflects the weak overall economic environment.
Tendency for investment relocations is solidifying
The survey also shows that companies' investment shifts are becoming more established: more than one in three companies (35 percent) are now planning to shift investments abroad (May 2023: 27 percent, February 2023: 27 percent, September 2022: 22 percent). Another 14 percent are planning to cut investments. Only 1 percent of companies stated that they wanted to increase their investments in Germany given the current situation. Relocation destinations are: other EU countries, Asia and North America (in that order).
„Germany must remain an industrial location“
Investment activity in Germany is primarily affected by the sales situation and sales expectations. 27 percent cited this as the greatest impact on investment activity. For 16 percent of companies it is energy prices and for 15 percent it is bureaucracy and the density of regulations that prevent them from investing in Germany.
