Industry leaders and labor representatives are calling for a high-level summit with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address growing uncertainty within the automotive sector. Yasmin Fahimi, Chair of the German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB), emphasized the need for a comprehensive forum encompassing unions, manufacturers and suppliers to discuss the future of the industry.
Fahimi highlighted a significant degree of apprehension amongst workers and companies, stressing the urgency of establishing a clear vision for the sector’s trajectory. She argued that effective political frameworks and strategic planning must be integrated with a thorough understanding of market dynamics and corporate investment decisions.
A key concern raised was the potential loss of Germany’s prominent position as a leader in automotive production. Fahimi underscored the importance of openly addressing pivotal questions affecting the industry’s future, specifically regarding the pace of developing charging infrastructure, the design of incentives for electric vehicle adoption and the timeline for the phase-out of internal combustion engines currently slated for 2035. The call for a summit reflects a desire to proactively shape the future of a critical German industry.
