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.

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 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.

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.

Michelin is planning to shut two plants in France over the coming 15-18 months, due to the “profound transformation” of passenger and truck tire markets in Europe over the past decade.