German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows - Reuters
German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows Reuters
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The competition in the Chinese market is the most intense competition in the world."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"The Chinese manufacturers will have a bigger role now and in future."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"China is in economic crisis with high unemployment and many have to save."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"The competition in the Chinese market is the most intense competition in the world."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"The Chinese manufacturers will have a bigger role now and in future."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"China is in economic crisis with high unemployment and many have to save."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"Volkswagen now targets operating margins of 4%-6% in China by 2030, down from double-digit margins the group once generated there."
— Ralf Brandstaetter , Executive
"The competition in the Chinese market is the most intense competition in the world."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"The Chinese manufacturers will have a bigger role now and in future."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"China is in economic crisis with high unemployment and many have to save."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"The competition in the Chinese market is the most intense competition in the world."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"The Chinese manufacturers will have a bigger role now and in future."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"China is in economic crisis with high unemployment and many have to save."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"The competition in the Chinese market is the most intense competition in the world."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"The Chinese manufacturers will have a bigger role now and in future."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
"China is in economic crisis with high unemployment and many have to save."
— Hildegard Mueller , Executive
Key People
Tags
All Coverage
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuwFBVV95cUxOWEpJWnE0S2o1QlVvMzBIUEdCZFdKZ0wyZ1N2SEpDaGd2OEZGa0JIb28zRkdISElVMmhRUlNteVJPVUVWeWNyWkxZUkdTSGxBQmxXNk9PNkRhbGk1cnRTZDRYdWtkd0RxQUhQbXhocFhXMUNTRUFaYkwzWGpjUEdMMzRNdmFNUm1VLUMxeFFNNWJLRWdzeXpLbEdaYjdYN2dPaXZKdFl5ZlpkRzdFMlhLMWNCVUJjRHI1Mnh3?oc=5" target="_blank">German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
China's economic slowdown is squeezing Germany's carmakers further as they face a lasting shift away from the market conditions that underpinned years of dominance, a German industry official said at the Beijing auto show on Saturday.
China's economic slowdown is squeezing Germany's carmakers further as they face a lasting shift away from the market conditions that underpinned years of dominance, a German industry official said at the Beijing auto show on Saturday.
Volkswagen has sharply lowered its ambitions for China, cutting long-term sales and profitability targets as competition intensifies, a leading executive told the Handelsblatt newspaper in an interview published on Thursday.
Automakers endured a disastrous 2025, marked by steep profit declines and multibillion‑dollar losses, with Chinese manufacturers standing as the only exception. The outlook points to a tough 2026.
China's economic slowdown is intensifying competition for German automakers, with local brands like Geely and Nio offering advanced features at lower prices, challenging German dominance in the market.

The article reports on the challenges faced by German automakers due to China's economic slowdown, highlighting intensified competition from local brands and the impact of consumer patriotism in China.
The article highlights the intensified competition in the Chinese auto market due to the economic slowdown, with local brands like Geely and Nio offering advanced features at lower prices, challenging German automakers.
China's economic slowdown is intensifying competition in its auto market, squeezing German luxury brands as local rivals like Geely and Nio surge with premium, feature-rich EVs at lower prices amid weakening demand and rising consumer patriotism.
At the Beijing auto show, Hildegard Mueller, president of Germany's VDA auto lobby, highlighted the intensified competition in China, emphasizing the growing role of Chinese manufacturers and the impact of consumer patriotism.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Mercedes says German production not competitive, two plants under threat - reuters.com
Mercedes says German production not competitive, two plants under threat reuters.com
September 22, 2026 at 12:59 PMSouth Africa races to keep auto exports competitive in EV era - Reuters
South Africa races to keep auto exports competitive in EV era Reuters
September 24, 2026 at 05:03 AMVolkswagen China chief expects China's passenger car market to decline by 20% in 2026 - Reuters
Volkswagen China chief expects China's passenger car market to decline by 20% in 2026 Reuters
September 22, 2026 at 08:53 AMChina's high-speed race for fast-charging EVs - Reuters
China's high-speed race for fast-charging EVs Reuters
September 24, 2026 at 07:57 AMGerman institutes lift growth forecasts, business morale rises - Reuters
German institutes lift growth forecasts, business morale rises Reuters
September 24, 2026 at 12:11 PMUS lawmakers urge Trump to maintain ban on Chinese automakers - Reuters
US lawmakers urge Trump to maintain ban on Chinese automakers Reuters
September 21, 2026 at 05:03 PM