Hella to Close Software Development Center in Iaşi Impacting 79 Jobs

German automotive supplier Hella, part of the Forvia Group, is set to close its software development center in Iaşi, according to market sources. The decision comes less than two years after the company shut down a similar facility in Oradea. As a result, 79 employees are expected to be laid off starting in August.

The closure reflects broader challenges facing the European automotive industry, including subdued demand for electric vehicles and growing concerns over potential import tariffs on EU-made electric cars being considered by the Trump administration in Washington.

Despite the closure, Romania continues to play a key role in Hella’s manufacturing operations. The company is currently expanding its factory in Lugoj and is preparing to open a new production facility in Ghiroda, near Timișoara.