German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to engage with leaders of the domestic automotive industry next week during the IAA Mobility show in Munich, even prior to a formally scheduled “auto summit” While the Chancellor’s presence at the industry event was previously planned, a government spokesperson indicated the visit will now serve as a starting point for “structured dialogue concerning the automotive sector” according to comments made Friday in Berlin
The overarching objective, officials stated, is to position the German automotive industry for success with emerging technologies and to safeguard employment within the sector Achieving this, they emphasized, necessitates a collaborative approach, bringing together major corporations, policymakers, labor representatives and crucially, the vital network of small and medium-sized suppliers – described as the “backbone” of the industry
However, industry representatives should not anticipate immediate policy concessions during the Chancellor’s visit According to the government spokesperson, Merz rarely arrives at such events with pre-determined “gifts” for specific sectors The focus will remain on initiating a constructive and ongoing discussion about the future of automotive manufacturing in Germany