Tyre maker Michelin plans to close two of its French factories, affecting about 1,250 workers, it said on Tuesday as Europe's embattled automotive sector comes under increasing pressure.

The Cholet and Vannes plants have been struggling with the structural changes in the passenger car, light truck, and truck tyre markets.

Michelin and Schaeffler said they plan to close factories and cut thousands of jobs in Europe as car-part suppliers reel from weakness in the automotive sector.

The French company Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automobile tires, announced its intention to close two factories in France by no later than the beginning of 2026,

Michelin factory workers burnt tyres in western France on Tuesday and vowed to stage a strike after the tyre company said it would close two plants by early 2026 over collapsing sales.

Michelin will close two factories in France by early 2026 affecting about 1,250 jobs, the French tyre maker said on Tuesday, the latest cutback in a European auto industry battling subdued demand and cheap Asian competition.

French tyre company Michelin said Tuesday it would close two French plants by early 2026 and German parts maker Schaeffler announced 4,700 job cuts, the latest signs of struggles in the European auto industry.