Merz to host German auto sector crisis meeting

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will convene a crisis meeting with leaders from Germanys automotive industry to address challenges including a potential EU ban on the internal combustion engine and rising competition from China.

• On Thursday, Friedrich Merz will lead crisis talks with automotive industry leaders from major companies like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz to discuss urgent industry challenges.
• The German automotive industry faces significant obstacles, including the EUs impending ban on the internal combustion engine and intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers like BYD.
• This meeting represents a critical moment for Germany, as the automotive sector is vital to its economy and employment, contributing around 5% of the countrys GDP.