116. Why Is the Automotive Industry in Crisis?

Strikes and demonstrations are taking place at almost every major car-production site across Germany — not France, but Germany. The powerful IG Metall trade union has called for nationwide protests against planned job cuts. And there is plenty at stake: Volkswagen alone could see around 100,000 jobs affected by 2030, while other German carmakers are also planning major cuts. Across Europe, the automotive industry is facing a deepening crisis. So why is one of Germany’s industrial flagships struggling to keep going?