Winds of change / Alternative mobility concepts compete with petrolheads / Suppliers more realistic than their big customers / Industry's 'new beginning' mantra torn apart by double standards

摘要

Almost two thirds of automotive executives of German firms believe their company's business model is threatened by current uncertainties, according to a study Staufen (Kongen / Germany; www.staufen.ag) published before the international auto show "IAA" in Frankfurt / Germany. The consultancy firm's report shows that the risk of the automotive sector losing its previous pioneering role as an innovative industry is more than just a perceived concern. The IAA seems to underline this. Much was different this time around - Greenpeace had an hours-long demonstration at the event, showcasing a giant CO2 balloon and a monster truck in front of the main entrance. German auto industry association VDA (Frankfurt; www.vda.de) is under immense pressure comparable to the oil crisis in the 70s and for the first time agreed to discussions with climate change activists, with VDA president Bernhard Mattes set to leave his post by the end of 2019.