Germany’s Automotive Industry Offers Support, but Remains Focused on Car Production
The German automotive industry has offered its assistance in the massive modernization efforts in Europe, but its core business will remain the production of cars. According to Hildegard Müller, the president of the Association of the German Automobile Industry (VDA), the industry is willing to help where it can, but this is not an alternative business model.
“The core of our business will continue to be building cars” Müller emphasized, adding that the industry’s high industrial competence can be applied to other sectors, as seen during the pandemic when they produced ventilator tubes, for example.
Recently, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume stated that his company is also prepared to support military efforts. Germany and Europe plan to invest billions of euros in weapons and ammunition in the coming years, primarily to deter a Russian attack on NATO territory.
Müller acknowledged the great challenge facing Germany, stating, “War is prevented by being prepared and deterring through one’s own strength.” However, she noted that this has been neglected in Germany for decades. “We must, as a society as a whole, face this reality. The topic will only become more pressing” the VDA president concluded.