Auto supplier Autoliv to cut 8,000 jobs, close sites

AUTOLIV, the world’s biggest maker of airbags and seatbelts, plans to cut around 8,000 jobs, joining the growing ranks of companies speeding up cost savings in the face of high inflation.

The Swedish company, which counts many of the world’s top automakers among its customers, said on Thursday (Jun 8) it would cut around 6,000 direct jobs and up to 2,000 indirect positions.

The cuts, which equate to about 11 per cent of direct jobs and the same proportion of indirect jobs at the company, will include the closure of several sites in Europe, and be fully implemented by 2025, it said.

“These initiatives will continue to optimise our geographic footprint for a more effective structure,” CEO Mikael Bratt said in a statement. “We intend to simplify and consolidate how we operate in all areas.”

The cutbacks mirror those at a swathe of companies grappling with high inflation and a faltering global economy, including in the auto industry.

Last month, Volvo Cars said it was axing 1,300 positions and electric carmaker Polestar said it was shedding 10 per cent of its workforce.

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Autoliv said in January cost inflation in 2022 was the worst in three decades, and that it was seeking to pass those costs on.

“The company continues to negotiate with its customers to secure pricing that reflects the extraordinary inflation and corrects structural price gaps,” Bratt said. “The highest priority and greatest challenge are the customer negotiations in Europe.”

The company, whose rivals include ZF and Joyson Safety Systems, reiterated a full-year outlook given in April for an increase in its adjusted operating margin to around 8.5-9.0 per cent. REUTERS