SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 17, 2013
The mini hot rod looks like an outsize toy, and its Hamburg-based creators still can't quite believe it's street legal. It offers drivers as much fun as can be had behind a steering wheel, and a bit of discomfort is a small price to pay. By Benjamin Braden, Sara Maria Manzo and Christoph Stockburger in Hamburg more... [ Video | Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 13, 2013
A two-tiered industry is emerging among European automakers. While German brands BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen are reporting record profits, competitors Opel, Peugeot, Renault and Fiat are struggling to survive. By Dietmar Hawranek more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 13, 2013
The European automobile market is struggling and many manufacturers face falling profits. Volkswagen has suffered too, but CEO Martin Winterkorn notes in an interview with SPIEGEL that profits are still strong. He also defends his salary, which is among the highest in Europe. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 01, 2013
The technology needed for driverless cars is here and could be ready for the market in less than a decade. Automation holds the promise of revolutionizing the automobile industry and making our streets safer, but will it spell the end of Fahrvergnügen? By Christian Wüst more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 03, 2013
While European consumers spent much of 2012 fretting about the economic crisis, China managed to surpass the Continent in automobile sales for the first time. Given China's growing middle class, the trend looks set to continue. China will probably outpace Europe in vehicle production this year, too. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 10, 2012
General Motors subsidiary Opel said on Monday it will stop assembling cars at its plant in Bochum, Germany in 2016. Up to 3,000 jobs could be lost as a result at the carmaker, hit by a steep drop in sales in the euro crisis. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- November 29, 2012
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been pumping billions into efforts to revive his country's reputation as a high-tech powerhouse. The Yo-mobil hybrid minicar is just the latest in a series of ambitious projects to stall soon after being unveiled. By Benjamin Bidder more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 10, 2012
The situation is grim for the European car market, even for previously thriving premium brands. But things look particularly gloomy for Opel. Thanks to stiff competition and an undeservedly poor reputation, the GM subsidiary has reached a low from which it might never recover. By Thomas Tuma more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 02, 2012
Car sales in Germany plunged in September, ending the country's surprising resistance to the ongoing crisis in the European automotive industry. Overall, the sector is facing its worst performance in the European Union in 17 years -- and there is no turnaround in sight. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 28, 2012
A look at Daimler's bottom line for 2011 gives the impression of a thriving company. But it recently lowered its 2012 earning forecast and is trailing BMW, its main German competitor, in almost all categories. Can the CEO's plan to put the company back in pole position really work? By Dietmar Hawranek more... [ Forum ]