Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, an industry analyst, sharply criticized Germany’s auto‑manufacturing sector. Speaking to the Bayern media group, he said, “The biggest problem for domestic corporations is Germany itself. Our country is too expensive and uncompetitive. We have been losing competitive strength for far too long”.
He faulted the political response as largely ineffective, noting that beyond Sunday speeches politicians have done little to strengthen the industry. “We have allowed too much of a welfare state that the industry ultimately pays for” he added. “There are poor cost structures, high wage‑related overheads, and outrageously high energy prices”.
Despite these challenges, Dudenhöffer does not see German car makers on a downward trajectory. He described last year as an “extremely bad exceptional year” but believes the manufacturers will manage, especially abroad.
