- Title: German car industry association cries for help from government
- Date: 2nd September 2019
- Summary: FRANKFURT, GERMANY (SEPTEMBER 2, 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF NEWS CONFERENCE WITH VDA CAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT BERNHARD MATTES (SOUNDBITE) (German) VDA CAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT BERNHARD MATTES, SAYING (on TRADE CONFLICTS / BREXIT): "If we look at the trade conflicts between the United States and China and between the United States and the EU as well as at Brexit, everyone will understand that Germany as an automobile producing country with its high export numbers is facing considerable challenges. Politicians need to take urgent steps to strengthen Germany as an industry location again, especially on an international comparison. What is needed is a rapid and consistent implementation, not long discussions." MAN IN AUDIENCE TAKING PICTURE MATTES SPEAKING (SOUNDBITE) (German) VDA CAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT BERNHARD MATTES, SAYING (on INDUSTRY CHALLENGES): "The automobile industry is undergoing an enormous transformation process which is characterised by three big challenges. First, climate protection, CO2 (emissions) goals and alternative drive technology. Second, digitalisation, getting cars connected to the grid and automated driving with consequences to the entire traffic system. Third, the automobile industry's global focus during times of protectionism and trade conflicts." PHOTOGRAPHER TAKING PICTURES MATTES SPEAKING (SOUNDBITE) (German) VDA CAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT BERNHARD MATTES, SAYING (on SECURITY DURING FRANKFURT AUTO SHOW): "We obviously have a clear security system with the (Frankfurt) fair and the police in place. We expect the big demonstration on Saturday to be peaceful and for Sunday too it was announced that it would be peaceful." POSTERS ADVERTISING CAR / ENTRANCE TO FRANKFURT FAIR GROUND, SITE OF MOTOR SHOW (IAA) WHICH OPENS SEPT. 12 IAA POSTER VARIOUS OF POLICE OUTSIDE
- Embargoed: 16th September 2019 14:52
- Keywords: Brexit Frankfurt auto show trade conflict automobiles cars VW IAA CO2 war dispute emissions climate
- Location: WOLFSBURG & FRANKFURT, GERMANY
- City: WOLFSBURG & FRANKFURT, GERMANY
- Country: Germany
- Topics: Economic Events
- Reuters ID: LVA002AUYSI31
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Germany's car industry association VDA called on the German government on Monday to take "urgent action" to strengthen the country's automakers which face "big challenges."
VDA president Bernhard Mattes blamed the trade conflicts between the United States and China and the EU plus Brexit for falling exports, telling reporters in Frankfurt what was needed was "a rapid and consistent implementation, not long discussions."
Last week, the Federal Statistics Office said the outlook for the German economy was uncertain as sentiment indicators pointed to a bumpy road ahead and most economists expect another quarter of contraction which would be a technical recession.
Exports fell more strongly than imports in the second quarter which meant that net trade deducted 0.5 percentage points from overall economic expansion.
The VDA president also commented on security for the upcoming Frankfurt auto show (IAA) which opens its doors on Sept. 12, saying he expected a planned anti-car demonstration to be peaceful.
Police are investigating a group calling itself "Rocks in the Gearbox" after more than 40 luxury vehicles were vandalised at a car dealership in Kronberg on the outskirts of Frankfurt last week.
(Production: Hakan Erdem, Michele Sani) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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