Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer

🚗 The Pressure Mounts on Volkswagen: Implications for Germany's Economy Volkswagen, one of Germany’s iconic automakers, is facing significant challenges as its CEO calls for "urgent measures" to secure the company's future. This comes as the automotive giant navigates slowing demand, fierce competition—especially from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers—and the costly transition to EVs. The urgency of this message underlines the immense pressure on traditional automakers to adapt or risk falling behind. Volkswagen’s struggles are not just a corporate issue; they resonate deeply with Germany’s economy. The automotive sector is a cornerstone of the country’s economic stability, employing millions and driving exports. A downturn in this sector could ripple across supply chains, impact employment, and slow economic growth. As the EV revolution accelerates, the global automotive landscape is shifting dramatically. For Germany, ensuring its automakers remain competitive will be critical—not only for the industry but for the broader economy. How should legacy companies respond to these pressures while balancing innovation and cost-efficiency? #Volkswagen #AutomotiveIndustry #EVRevolution #GermanyEconomy #Sustainability #SupplyChain Read the WSJ article: https://lnkd.in/gptrfGqx

4

1 Comment

I've seen a lot of discussion about how the retail EV share of the new car market is better than the official SMMT figures suggest because consumers are using salary sacrifice schemes to buy EVs. However, if that was the case, I think you'd expect the fleet/business share of EV registrations to be even higher.

7

4 Comments

MAXUS DELIVER 9 LWB DIESEL Maxus reckons that new vehicles don't have to be as expensive as they are. Dacia has proved that in the car market. Now this Chinese brand is doing the same when it comes to commercial vehicles. You do at least have a choice. The LDV brand the Maxus marque was sired from provided that choice by re-branding an ageing product. But the Deliver 9, if not quite as sophisticated as some of its volume brand segment rivals, does feel every inch a modern large LCV. And it can offer running costs that are at least now in the same ballpark as competitors. Which wasn't the case with the old LDV V80. Yes this Deliver 9 is only a starting point for the Maxus brand in our market, but it's still probably a large van that many more small to medium-sized operators really ought to be considering. After all, when it comes to price, size matters. £390.93pm Business Lease For more info please call 675306 Email [email protected]

2

I recognize this moment as pivotal, not only for Volkswagen but for the broader German manufacturing landscape. The challenging decisions faced by Volkswagen Group highlight the urgent need for innovation and strategic adaptation within the sector. In addition to the significant changes happening at Volkswagen, the landscape for the automotive industry is also heavily influenced by geopolitical factors and pressures from the electric vehicle (EV) sector, particularly regarding China. As global demand for EVs rises, so does competition, with China leading the charge in production capacity and innovation. However, this dominance poses security concerns for the West, leading to tariffs and heightened tensions that can impact pricing and market access for all manufacturers, including VW. Furthermore, China's recent struggles with domestic demand and shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping the global EV market. As VW navigates these turbulent waters, the intersection of economic policies, sustainability, and international relations will play a crucial role in shaping its future and that of the entire industry. With a global shift in consumer preferences and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, it's clear that the industry must evolve rapidly. We’re witnessing a transformation that calls for resilient collaboration between industry leaders, unions, and policymakers to navigate these changes and mitigate the impact on workers and communities. We as Alianza 4 Cero stand with our partners to foster forward-thinking solutions that support both growth and the workforce. credit of the report to Oliver Crook and Bloomberg News Héctor Trejo Carbajal

15

1 Comment

Only time will tell… When something huge like this breaks, I head straight to Automotive News for the facts. Read the full article by Laurence Iliff: https://lnkd.in/eKE4yMTk PS - I thought this quote from Matt Teske, CEO of Chargeway was particularly interesting: “The elephant in the room is that North American EV growth has leaned on Tesla's leadership for nearly 20 years. If Tesla can no longer lead on public charging, that could hurt the EV industry as a whole.” What do you think? 🔊 Sound off in the comments. I know you wanna. #EVsforEveryone #Tesla #EVs #superchargernetwork #charginginfrastructure #electricvehicles #NACS

14

17 Comments

[NEWS] Volkswagen is about to make history: After almost 90 years, VW might shut down some of its German auto factories. Why now? VW is aiming to cut costs as China-made EVs devour market share in Europe. And despite heavy investments, VW’s EV sales lag way behind leaders like BYD and Tesla. Bottom line: China's EV boom is becoming a massive challenge for Europe’s auto giants. If VW follows through on its warning, the automaker will have a major uphill battle… Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by OPENLANE US: https://lnkd.in/eTcxn8hA (Data source: Bloomberg)

44

11 Comments

"Volkswagen Group subsidiary PowerCo has teamed up with QuantumScape to industrialise solid-state batteries. In what could be a landmark agreement for the Volkswagen Group’s electric future, PowerCo will be able to produce solid-state batteries for passenger electric vehicles with a target of up to one million batteries per year." "Under the licence agreement between the companies, PowerCo will be able to manufacture up to 40 gigawatt-hours per year with the option to expand to 80gWh. In comparison, Tesla’s existing ‘gigafactory’ in Nevada is planning to produce 100gWh per year, but of the American car company’s next-generation cylindrical battery rather than a solid-state battery like PowerCo’s." Volkswagen Group making big strides in battery production. #ev #electric #electrification #electricvehicle #electricvehicles #evcharging #charging #chargingstations #renewableenergy #energy #economics #solar #photovoltaics #pv #wind #climatecrisis

2

In whose name? It’s clear that the #automotive #agency #model hasn't had quite the take-off that was perhaps expected by the ‘high level’ automotive #industry (#OEMs and #consultants). The loud and persistent debates between them, however, are perhaps obscuring more useful #conversations - around how it could actually work moving forwards, for both retailers and customers. A more dynamic and flexible approach towards a ‘true' agency model over the next decade is needed if #retail #networks and OEMs are to #collaborate - with no ‘one best route’ to follow. If you need a #map for that - or to find out other ways we can make agency work - drop us a DM.

4

[NEWS] Volkswagen is trying to undo “decades of structural problems:” Just days after VW reported a 42% drop in Q3 operating profit… CEO Oliver Blume announced aggressive cost-cutting measures, including closing at least three factories in Germany and cutting wages by 10%. But it won’t be easy. Union workers are promising a “hot winter” if Blume moves ahead with his plan – and at this point, strikes could be devastating for the automaker. Yet, VW isn’t alone — Stellantis, BMW, and other European automakers are also feeling the pinch as Chinese brands gain market share. The good news? American consumers are probably protected — only 5% of VW cars sold in the U.S. are made overseas. But with VW’s future up in the air, more big changes could be down the line. Read today’s top automotive stories, presented by Overfuel: https://lnkd.in/gWUpw7CR (Data source: Reuters)

11

2 Comments

Volkswagen and Stellantis are seeing tough times ahead as sales skitter and factory closures are in the offing for both companies. For daily news and analysis subscribe to the https://lnkd.in/gpZkxqHC newsletter. #Autocar #Automotive #Vehicles

1

Discover the Touareg R eHybird with one click in our VW Virtual Studio and experience augmented reality on a whole new level. You can explore every detail of the 3D model with a 360 degree view. Whether exterior color or rims, you can even personalize the Touareg R eHybrid. Our favorite tool? The selfie function! What is yours? Try now: https://lnkd.in/dgwURrxm . #VWR #VolkswagenR #BeWhoYouR #TouaregR #eHybrid #virtualstudio . Information on consumption, CO₂-emissions and CO₂-classes, shown in ranges, depends on the selected vehicle equipment.

72

Whether VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia, or Audi A3, nearly all compact car base models come with 205/55 R16 tyres. This tyre size dominates Europe’s aftermarket sales, and its popularity has led to a wide range of available products. However, this extensive selection can make it difficult to choose the best replacement. To make it easier to find the right 205/55 R16 winter tyres, Auto Bild tested 53 different brands. To quickly separate the top performers from the rest, the motoring publication first carried out a safety check that focused on braking distances. The Auto Bild test […] https://lnkd.in/dC4p6rY4

2