William Boston

The premium brand’s German market debut model, the 952-hp Z9 GT EV, will be joined by seven models by the end of 2027 as Denza looks to match the rapid sales growth of parent BYD in Europe.

BYD premium brand Denza provided a Z9 GT for a test drive. The €117,500 grand tourer features advanced tech and fast acceleration, but it lacked the high-speed stability offered by its premium German competitors.

VW Group CEO Oliver Blume faced tough questions from major shareholders who remain skeptical that his restructuring plan will restore profitability amid U.S. tariffs and Chinese competition.

VW Group's Susanne Wiegand, the automaker's only independent supervisory board member, won't seek re-election. Governance specialists said her departure intensifies concerns about accountability at a company struggling with high costs and low margins.

BYD is taking aiming at Europe's high volume small-car segment with the Dolphin G DMi plug-in hybrid hatchback, its first model developed for the region.

Porsche CEO Michael Leiters told shareholders the sports-car maker will reduce models, deepen VW cooperation and pursue more job cuts. Operating margin fell to 1 percent in 2025.

For years, Germany's premium automakers insisted weakening China demand and rising tariffs were manageable setbacks. Now BMW and Porsche are telling investors their decades-old export model no longer works.

The automaker’s supervisory board will consider eliminating up to 100,000 jobs globally and closing German factories as China sales plunge and tariffs disrupt exports.

The plant — the largest investment in Infineon’s history — will produce power semiconductors for EVs and AI systems. The supplier said it will reach full production faster than expected because of strong demand.

The automaker's supervisory board meets Sept. 4 to consider closing four German factories. Labor leaders, the state of Lower Saxony and the controlling Porsche-Piech families are at odds over the plan.