Mercedes' top supplier survived Napoleon, the Great Depression & two world wars. But not the current auto slump

Europe's auto slump is crippling small manufacturers in the automotive supply chain. Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, a long-time Mercedes supplier, filed for bankruptcy, highlighting the widespread impact. Thousands of job cuts have been announced as carmakers slash production amid weak sales and the challenging transition to electric vehicles. High energy prices and reduced government subsidies further exacerbate the crisis.