Coastal German state, large, diverse economy and population
Volkswagen has presented a restructuring plan that will cut model lines by up to half and reduce production capacity to about 9 million vehicles a year. Chief executive Oliver Blume has said the group faces a 20% cost disadvantage to rivals and has proposed a "theoretical" further 50,000 job reductions on top of earlier cuts, prompting union protests and board resistance.
Italy is pursuing a back‑to‑nuclear energy strategy, aiming to legalize next‑generation technologies and use small modular reactors to meet rising demand, climate goals and energy security. Debates trace to a historic shift after Chernobyl and Fukushima, with authorities projecting a timeline toward 2033–2035 for potential operations.
A digest of recent car industry moves: Rivian adds captain’s chairs in updated models; Ford explores new sub-$30k entry crossovers and a cheaper four-door pickup; 2026 cancellations signal potential discounts; rear-camera glitches prompt safety concerns; Mazda explores a new EV-based 6e with long range.
The AfD has surged in Saxony-Anhalt, threatening to win an outright majority in the state election. CDU trails and coalition dynamics loom as parties weigh their options in the wake of a results shock that could reshape Germany’s political landscape.
Volkswagen has approved its Future Plan 2030, a wide-ranging restructuring that will cut about 50,000 additional jobs — bringing total reductions to roughly 100,000 by 2030 — halve the model range by 2035 and end car production at four German plants between 2031 and 2034. The company has pledged a three‑figure billion euro investment to strengthen brands while simplifying offerings.
AfD has won about 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, raising the possibility it could form Germany’s first far-right state government since World War II. Minority communities fear renewed hostility as elections also loom in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Parties across Germany assess the implications for democracy and policy.