SZ podcast “To the Point”: IAA: Are Chinese manufacturers simply better?

The automotive industry remains a key sector for Germany. Are German manufacturers still competitive?
On Tuesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) opened the world's largest auto show, the IAA Mobility 2025, in Munich. "The automotive industry is and remains a key industry, a key sector for the prosperity of our country," he said in his speech.
But in recent months, German automakers have all published disappointing figures: declining profits, job cuts, and collapsing exports. Why this is—and whether German automakers have an answer—is what SZ business editor Thomas Fromm discusses in this episode of "Auf den Punkt."
Other news: Israel: Attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar; Nepal: Prime Minister resigns after protests; Power outage in Berlin: Police suspect extremist attack.
For further reading:
You can read Kathrin Werner’s comment on catcalling here.
You can read a report from a German car dealership about test drives in a BYD here.
Moderation, Editor: Johannes Korsche
Editors: Lars Langenau, Annkathrin Stich
Production: Aylin Sancak
Quoted and additional audio material about Phoenix and BMW Group.
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