Stories from Stuttgart · Germany

Mercedes reported a profit decrease of 300 million euros during the first three months of the year compared to the same period last year. Mercedes-Benz reported a profit drop of over 17 percent, citing weak demand in China as the primary cause. The company also experienced a shortfall in revenue and overall deliveries. The report included a pre-tax loss, according to the source. The report noted that the first quarter was weaker than the already poor period of the previous year. An internal communication warned employees of difficult times ahead. CEO Blume stated the group lacks sufficient funds to sustainably finance the future of Volkswagen, though specific impacts on jobs and plants remain unclear. The company's earnings reached 1.43 billion. This follows a reported 7 percent increase in share value by 16 centesimi.

Cem Özdemir is expected to be elected as the Minister President of Baden-Württemberg on May 13. He served for 15 years, a tenure longer than any other German state head of government. A formal ceremony is being held to mark his departure. He is being honored with a formal ceremony in Stuttgart to mark the end of his term. Winfried Kretschmann is concluding his tenure as Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, having served in the role since 2011. A formal ceremony is expected to include former Federal President Gauck and former SC Freiburg coach Christian Streich. Kretschmann's leadership follows decades of CDU-led administrations in the state. CDU state leader Haageld expressed satisfaction with the process, stating a desire to solve people's problems and initiate reforms. The SPD lost the state election after 35 years in power.

Curator Hoffmann announced the opening of an exhibition at the Literaturhaus in Stuttgart.

Mercedes is reducing its global production capacity by more than 10 percent.

The Stuttgart City Council discussed a proposal to expand free public transportation services. The current plan includes free transit on one Saturday per month and during specific events.

Mercedes-Benz released quarterly financial results amid a difficult economic environment. The company cited weak demand in China as a primary factor for the performance. The report comes as broader market uncertainty grows regarding the AI sector and geopolitical tensions.

A farewell ceremony is being held at the new Schloss in Stuttgart to mark the occasion. Winfried Kretschmann is stepping down from his role as Minister President of Baden-Württemberg after 15 years in office. Kretschmann is noted for his long tenure, which is among the longest in the state's history. He is Germany's first and only Green Party Minister President. During a ceremony in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg Interior Minister Strobel of the CDU praised Kretschmann's work. Strobel stated that no other partner allowed for such reliable cooperation as Kretschmann. Numerous guests from the political and economic sectors attended the farewell ceremony. During a ceremony at a new palace, former Federal President Gauck praised the Green Party politician for his focus on listening and citizen engagement.

A formal ceremony will be held this afternoon at the new palace in Stuttgart. Baden-Württemberg Ministerpräsident Winfried Kretschmann is being honored in a farewell ceremony in Stuttgart after serving approximately 15 years in office. The ceremony is being held at the New Palace in Stuttgart and is expected to continue until the afternoon. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the event. Kretschmann has served in the role since 2011, making him the longest-serving Minister President in the state's history. The potential successor, Green Party politician [name not provided], is expected to take over the position. Speakers at his departure noted his impact on the state. Kretschmann reportedly stated that he is beginning to feel a sense of wistfulness regarding his departure.

Baden-Württemberg Minister President Kretschmann is being honored during a formal ceremony in Stuttgart. The ceremony included reflections on his tenure, which began with a coalition between the Greens and the SPD. The source noted his reputation as a respected state leader. He is scheduled to leave office in mid-May following the constitution of the new Landtag. Former President Gauck praised Kretschmann's political work during the event, which included ballet and opera performances. The event took place in the White Hall of the New Palace in Stuttgart. The ceremony included a performance by the Stuttgart Ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. The Green Party won the last state election in March with lead candidate Cem Özdemir, who is seeking a green-black coalition. Kretschmann's political legacy is described as secured. Phyllis Kükrekol reported from Stuttgart.

The first two of three steel sections have been lifted into place for the new Landkraftenbrücke bridge over the A highway. Engineers designed the pillars to be streamlined to prevent debris, such as tree branches, from snagging on the structure.