The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has warned that up to 225,000 jobs could be lost in the sector by 2035, 35,000 more than previously forecast.

VDA President Hildegard Müller said the shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles is hitting suppliers hardest, and pointed to a 'serious and persistent location crisis' in Germany and Europe, citing high taxes, expensive energy, high labor costs, and excessive bureaucracy.

Without changes to EU rules, a further 50,000 jobs could be at risk, the VDA warned. However, greater technology openness could preserve up to 50,000 jobs in Germany.

Meanwhile, speculation is growing about a possible return of former national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup. Kicker magazine reports that internal discussions are more intense than coach Julian Nagelsmann has indicated.

Neuer and Nagelsmann have publicly ruled out a comeback, but Neuer's strong performances for Bayern Munich this season have fueled rumors. A return would likely come at the expense of Oliver Baumann.

Germany has been drawn in Group E alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.

In other news, a German court ruled that smaller Milka chocolate bars violate competition law. The Regional Court of Bremen sided with a consumer advocacy group, finding that Mondelez International could not sell 90-gram bars in unchanged packaging if 100-gram versions had been offered in the previous four months. Mondelez is reviewing the ruling and may appeal.

Source: www.dw.com