Stories from Germany

The Volkswagen Group is experiencing a problem with excess production capacity because sales are significantly lower than anticipated by leadership before the COVID-19 pandemic. Several German plants are considered too expensive from the perspective of the board. This issue was reported by Handelsblatt over the weekend. The supervisory board is discussing these matters today. This comes as the company faces overcapacity issues and falling sales. The discussions are being held in Cologne. The Volkswagen Supervisory Board is set to discuss restructuring. The board will review the current situation and potential strategic adjustments. Volkswagen's supervisory board is meeting to discuss potential restructuring measures.

The world's oldest paternoster elevator, located in a building in Hamburg's Old Town, has been reported missing. The 1908 elevator is suspected to have been dismantled and removed without authorization. Parts of the elevator may have resurfaced. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the recovered items are parts of a missing paternoster elevator. A transport ship is en route to Wismar to prepare for a rescue operation for a stranded whale. The whale weighs 12 tons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to address the resolution of the Northeast conflict.

Retail workers in the German state of Hesse are demanding a monthly wage increase of 250 Euros. This demand was highlighted in recent broadcasts. The specific timeline for these negotiations or potential strike actions was not detailed.

Tariff negotiations for approximately 240,000 employees in the Hessian retail and mail-order sector began at noon. The Verdi union is demanding a monthly increase of 250 Euros. Employees require a raise due to high energy and gasoline prices. Trainees should also receive more pay.

Bosch plans to reduce its workforce and relocate truck production to Hungary.

A German town is actively seeking new industrial investors to revitalize its economy.

A town in Germany is actively seeking new industrial investors to stimulate its economy.

The town of Würzburg is attempting to combat public urination, with posters indicating a 55 Euro fine for the offense. Some partygoers from Hessen were unfazed, noting the fine was less than in their home region. A special coating that would spray urine back at offenders was considered but deemed incompatible with the special stone.

The town of Schwäbisch Gmünd is actively trying to attract new industrial interests.