German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet representatives of the automobile industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, unions and state officials, in Berlin on Thursday.
Germany’s famed auto sector is grappling with falling sales, competition from China, the transition to electric mobility and European regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Additionally, higher tariffs on U.S. imports add to the challenges. Many companies are reporting sharp declines in profits, implementing cost-cutting measures and cutting jobs.
According to the German government, the two-hour meeting will focus on finding common solutions to successfully position the automotive industry for future technologies. The objective is to guarantee jobs while respecting climate objectives.
Merz, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, President of the German Automobile Industry Association (VDA) Hildegard Müller and President of the IG Metall union Christiane Benner will take stock after the meeting.
