On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz registered the patent for the first gas-powered vehicle in Berlin. His invention propelled Germany to the forefront of industrial nations, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and establishing brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen as global icons of quality.
Today, however, the German auto industry is facing a serious crisis. Profits have dropped significantly, companies are implementing austerity programs, and the rise of electric mobility and software-driven competition has left German manufacturers lagging behind in some areas.
The pressing question: Does Germany need a new “Carl Benz” to reinvent the industry and lead it into the future?
Sources – Agencies