After the automotive summit at the chancellery, Volkswagen chief Oliver Blume has stepped up pressure on the government. Speaking to Bild am Sonntag, he demands that the federal administration move beyond mere announcements. He calls for faster decision‑making and concrete implementation plans, urging that the government not only say what it will do but also designate who will do it and set clear deadlines.
Blume likened running a global industrial conglomerate to governing a country. For progress, he insists on “high transparency of the measurements” and says industry is ready to help, but the nation must now accelerate. He warned that without a binding roadmap – a clear outline of actions, responsible parties and timelines – Germany will lag behind.
Addressing competition, Blume urged the board to look beyond Germany’s borders, especially towards East Asia. He pointed to China as a model: Chinese firms follow highly structured five‑year plans and set unmistakable priorities, which Blume described as optimally organized. He highlighted China’s high discipline and willingness to perform as key factors in its success.
To keep the German auto industry competitive, Blume says Germany should study how other countries have driven development. By adopting similar strategic clarity and urgency, he believes the country can safeguard its position for the future.