http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:41:38 +0100 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:41:38 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682790,00.html#ref=rss The German government has discovered the Internet and data privacy as a political issue. The new debate over who should control the online world reveals a clash of two cultures, with the American ideal of freedom contrasting with the European desire for privacy. <i>By SPIEGEL staff.</i> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:59:14 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682790,00.html The German government has discovered the Internet and data privacy as a political issue. The new debate over who should control the online world reveals a clash of two cultures, with the American ideal of freedom contrasting with the European desire for privacy. By SPIEGEL staff. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682530,00.html#ref=rss German auto giant Volkswagen is having trouble with its subsidiary Skoda. Not only are profits down at the Czech-based automaker, but its cars are now competing directly with VW models -- and in some cases are beating them in road tests. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:44:39 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682530,00.html German auto giant Volkswagen is having trouble with its subsidiary Skoda. Not only are profits down at the Czech-based automaker, but its cars are now competing directly with VW models -- and in some cases are beating them in road tests.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682751,00.html#ref=rss German exports surprisingly fell by 6.3 percent in January while Germany's biggest rival in world trade, China, enjoyed a 45.7 percent surge in February. It's worrying news for Germany which is relying on its export strength to drive its recovery. Analysts expect exports to grow this year, aided by a weak euro. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:30:05 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682751,00.html German exports surprisingly fell by 6.3 percent in January while Germany's biggest rival in world trade, China, enjoyed a 45.7 percent surge in February. It's worrying news for Germany which is relying on its export strength to drive its recovery. Analysts expect exports to grow this year, aided by a weak euro.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682417,00.html#ref=rss Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles due to reports of sticking gas pedals and unintended acceleration. But finding out exactly what causes the problem has proven difficult. An explanation for why most of the accidents have occurred in the US has likewise proven elusive. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:09:36 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682417,00.html Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles due to reports of sticking gas pedals and unintended acceleration. But finding out exactly what causes the problem has proven difficult. An explanation for why most of the accidents have occurred in the US has likewise proven elusive.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682343,00.html#ref=rss Those wanting to own a McDonald's or Subway franchise in Germany must be prepared to offer up intimate personal details, including health information. One German official says the questionnaires violate the law. Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:05:40 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,682343,00.html Those wanting to own a McDonald's or Subway franchise in Germany must be prepared to offer up intimate personal details, including health information. One German official says the questionnaires violate the law.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,681193,00.html#ref=rss The German airline Lufthansa managed to avoid a damaging pilots' strike last month. But the company still faces a challenging future. Plummeting profits and crucial strategic errors have plunged the airline into a deep crisis. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:06:25 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,681193,00.html The German airline Lufthansa managed to avoid a damaging pilots' strike last month. But the company still faces a challenging future. Plummeting profits and crucial strategic errors have plunged the airline into a deep crisis.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,681058,00.html#ref=rss German Consumer Protection Minister Ilse Aigner has launched an attack on the Internet economy, warning that the likes of Google, Microsoft and Apple store vast amounts of personal information on Web users that can be used for financial gain, and can hurt people's chances of getting jobs or bank loans. Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:00:03 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,681058,00.html German Consumer Protection Minister Ilse Aigner has launched an attack on the Internet economy, warning that the likes of Google, Microsoft and Apple store vast amounts of personal information on Web users that can be used for financial gain, and can hurt people's chances of getting jobs or bank loans.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,680259,00.html#ref=rss On Wednesday, the European Commission announced it was looking into complaints that Google disadvantages competitors by lowering their search rankings. The accusations are just the most recent in an ever-growing list of grievances with Google. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:55:34 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,680259,00.html On Wednesday, the European Commission announced it was looking into complaints that Google disadvantages competitors by lowering their search rankings. The accusations are just the most recent in an ever-growing list of grievances with Google.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,680060,00.html#ref=rss European countries have reached an agreement with aerospace group EADS on additional funding for the A400M military transport plane, the Spanish government said on Wednesday. The deal would resolve a dispute over financing the project that has been raging for months. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:39:54 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,680060,00.html European countries have reached an agreement with aerospace group EADS on additional funding for the A400M military transport plane, the Spanish government said on Wednesday. The deal would resolve a dispute over financing the project that has been raging for months.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,679713,00.html#ref=rss German car maker BMW has long had a reputation for producing sporty luxury cars. Now, CEO Norbert Reithofer wants to shift toward sustainability. He spoke with SPIEGEL about how he intends to combine greater fuel efficiency with high performance. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:04:07 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,679713,00.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,679981,00.html#ref=rss Germany's budget deficit grew more than expected in 2009 as a result of the economic crisis and reached 3.3 percent of GDP, exceeding the euro zone limit of 3 percent. The economy may contract again in the first quarter due to the harsh winter, but the falling euro is brightening the outlook for export industries. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:02:08 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,679981,00.html Germany's budget deficit grew more than expected in 2009 as a result of the economic crisis and reached 3.3 percent of GDP, exceeding the euro zone limit of 3 percent. The economy may contract again in the first quarter due to the harsh winter, but the falling euro is brightening the outlook for export industries.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,679593,00.html#ref=rss The chief economist for the International Monetary Fund, Olivier Blanchard, recently argued that Western economies should accept inflation rates of up to 4 percent. State meddling in the economy may not be such a bad thing either, he argues. Leading economists are unimpressed. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:20:22 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,679593,00.html The chief economist for the International Monetary Fund, Olivier Blanchard, recently argued that Western economies should accept inflation rates of up to 4 percent. State meddling in the economy may not be such a bad thing either, he argues. Leading economists are unimpressed.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,678527,00.html#ref=rss Lufthansa pilots have voted to go on strike for four days next week. The industrial action will bring chaos to German airports and will cost the airline tens of millions of euros. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:51:02 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,678527,00.html Lufthansa pilots have voted to go on strike for four days next week. The industrial action will bring chaos to German airports and will cost the airline tens of millions of euros.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,678172,00.html#ref=rss Auto racing is hardly one of the greenest sports out there. But Porsche has now come up with a racecar outfitted with a hybrid engine. The technology could ultimately find its way onto the street. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:12:35 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,678172,00.html Auto racing is hardly one of the greenest sports out there. But Porsche has now come up with a racecar outfitted with a hybrid engine. The technology could ultimately find its way onto the street.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,677851,00.html#ref=rss A disappointing 2009 at German software giant SAP has led to sudden management changes at the company. The CEO resigned after only months and two new co-heads have been appointed. Board chairman Hasso Plattner discusses the changes. Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,677851,00.html A disappointing 2009 at German software giant SAP has led to sudden management changes at the company. The CEO resigned after only months and two new co-heads have been appointed. Board chairman Hasso Plattner discusses the changes.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,677481,00.html#ref=rss Germany officials reported no growth for the fourth quarter of 2009 on Friday. While some fear that the slowdown might signal the beginning of another slump, others just see it as a bump in the road to continued recovery. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:31:28 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,677481,00.html Germany officials reported no growth for the fourth quarter of 2009 on Friday. While some fear that the slowdown might signal the beginning of another slump, others just see it as a bump in the road to continued recovery.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,675480,00.html#ref=rss After centuries of crafting Baroque figurines and ornate tableware for European royalty, Meissen is reinventing itself as a modern luxury company offering sushi dishes, jewellery and contemporary interior design. Its new manager says the overhaul is necessary so that the company can continue to create the traditional designs that have made it a favorite for collectors and royal courts. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:40:22 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,675480,00.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,676860,00.html#ref=rss General Motors Europe on Tuesday finally announced the details of its plan to restructure German car-maker Opel. In addition to thousands of job cuts, GM wants 2.7 billion euros from European governments. Opposition to the plan is building in Germany. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:56:18 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,676860,00.html General Motors Europe on Tuesday finally announced the details of its plan to restructure German car-maker Opel. In addition to thousands of job cuts, GM wants 2.7 billion euros from European governments. Opposition to the plan is building in Germany.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,676507,00.html#ref=rss The problems facing Greece are just the beginning. The countries belonging to Europe's common currency zone are drifting further and further apart, and national bankruptcies are a distinct possibility. Brussels is faced with a number of choices, none of them good. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:07:48 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,676507,00.html The problems facing Greece are just the beginning. The countries belonging to Europe's common currency zone are drifting further and further apart, and national bankruptcies are a distinct possibility. Brussels is faced with a number of choices, none of them good.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,676213,00.html#ref=rss For years, Deutsche Bank CEO Josef Ackermann was the man left-leaning Germany loved to hate. But on Thursday, in addition to announcing hefty profits, Ackermann struck a more conciliatory tone. German commentators wonder Friday if this is the future of finance. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:54:16 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,676213,00.html For years, Deutsche Bank CEO Josef Ackermann was the man left-leaning Germany loved to hate. But on Thursday, in addition to announcing hefty profits, Ackermann struck a more conciliatory tone. German commentators wonder Friday if this is the future of finance.]]>