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Cologne Auto Center Matthies ceases operations: 13 jobs at risk!
The Cologne Autozentrum Matthies is insolvent. Business operations were stopped and 13 employees lost their jobs.
Cologne Auto Center Matthies ceases operations: 13 jobs at risk!
The car industry in Cologne has suffered a severe setback: the well-known Matthies car center has gone bankrupt. The insolvency proceedings were opened by the Cologne District Court on Friday, which led to an abrupt end to business operations. Managing director Matthias Matthes recently had a stock of around 32,000 vehicles, including new and used cars. This variety of offers is now being severely affected by the closure of the branch in Cologne and another smaller branch in Berlin. The sales operations had already been at a standstill for at least two weeks before the official declaration of insolvency, which had already caused the first alarm bells to ring among employees and customers.
A total of 13 employees will now lose their jobs, although they can rely on their salaries being paid until the bankruptcy declaration date. These are secured by the insolvency money. Insolvency administrator Dr. Mike Westkamp from the law firm Görg Rechtsanwälte has confirmed the insolvency and initiated the first steps to clarify the creditors' claims. Creditors now have until November 7th to register their claims with the insolvency administrator. The documents required to file a claim can be viewed at the Cologne District Court from October 17, 2025.
Growing problem in the automotive industry
The insolvency of the Matthies Auto Center is not an isolated case. According to Statista, there was a significant increase in insolvencies in the automotive industry from 2008 to the first half of 2024. This phenomenon is noticeable throughout the industry. More and more retailers are fighting for survival - a trend that must be viewed against the backdrop of economic challenges and falling sales figures.
The situation raises questions: What is the cause of this growing problem, and how can affected companies provide support during such a difficult time? Constantly growing pressure from increasing online sales and changing customer needs are putting traditional car dealerships under more and more stress. The shock of the bankruptcy in Cologne is being reflected throughout the retail landscape and could have further consequences.
The customers of the Matthies Auto Center are now faced with an uncertain future: Where can they fulfill their vehicle needs in the region? A rethink will be necessary to meet the needs of drivers and get the industry back on track.
Those interested can find more information about the insolvency and other aspects of the automotive industry at t-online and in various social Media.