Germany's leading auto supplier Bosch may cut between 8,000 to 10,000 jobs in the country, according to Deputy Supervisory Board Chairman Frank Sell.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Sell described the current atmosphere within the company as "absolutely unbearable," as recent staff reduction measures have heightened uncertainty among employees.

The cuts come as Europe's automotive industry grapples with weakening demand, high production costs, and intensifying competition. Bosch, which employs approximately 135,000 workers in Germany, is facing mounting pressure to adapt to these challenges.

Sell, who also chairs the company's works council, revealed that Bosch has already reduced working hours for about 2,500 employees, with the measure potentially extending to as many as 10,000 staff.

The company has not ruled out further layoffs, following its announcement in November to trim 5,500 jobs across its global operations in the coming years.

Sell added that labour representatives and unions are now working on an action plan for 2025, which may include strikes if negotiations fail.

The potential job cuts underscore the struggles faced by German automakers and suppliers in navigating the slower-than-expected shift to EVs and other structural industry changes. Bosch's acknowledgment of further potential workforce reductions highlights the broader challenges within the sector.