An opinion piece titled “Et lyspunkt i mørket for den tyske bilindustri” (“A Bright Spot in the Dark for the German Automotive Industry”) by Christian Dustmann and Jan Knuf was recently published in the Danish newspaper Dagbladet Børsen. In this article, the authors offer their perspective on both the challenges and opportunities facing the German automotive industry. While acknowledging the industry’s critical phase caused by the transition to electric vehicles and intensifying global competition, they highlight several reasons for optimism.
Dustmann and Knuf emphasize Germany’s position as the largest exporter of electric vehicles in 2023, noting the success of companies like BMW, which has already surpassed Tesla in Europe. They point to Germany’s highly skilled workforce, its robust dual education system, and its significant investments in research and development—amounting to over three percent of GDP—as key pillars of its global competitiveness.
The authors also stress the importance of innovation and collaboration between cutting-edge research and industry to address pressing challenges, such as the dominance of Chinese manufacturers in battery technology and increasing price competition. Despite these obstacles, Dustmann and Knuf remain optimistic about Germany’s potential to continue as a central player in the future of the global automotive industry, driven by its adaptability and strong culture of innovation.
The full version in Danish is available online at Børsen. This revised version is a more concise adaptation of the original piece, which was first published in German in WELT.
