Merz to host German auto sector crisis meeting | Business

BERLIN, Oct 9, 2025 (AFP) - Chancellor Friedrich Merz will Thursday host crisis talks with German auto industry leaders in a bid to navigate myriad challenges, from a looming EU combustion-engine ban to growing Chinese competition. Led by titans Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the German auto sector has long been one of the flagship industries in Europe's biggest economy but now finds itself in the throes of a painful downturn. From falling sales and profits to waves of layoffs, the sector has generated a steady stream of bad news for months. Automakers and suppliers are struggling with a slower than expected electric shift, fierce competition from Chinese EV makers and US President Donald Trump's tariffs blitz. Thursday's talks aim to...