Overview

• Speaking after talks with Volkswagen Sachsen leaders in Lichtenstein, Michael Kretschmer said lower electricity prices are essential to revive electric-car sales.
• He argued that successful e-mobility depends on expanding charging infrastructure alongside affordable power for consumers.
• The state pledged about €100 million to support the region’s industrial transformation and safeguard its manufacturing base.
• Volkswagen is cutting output and reducing staff at its Saxony sites in Zwickau, Chemnitz and Dresden due to weaker-than-expected EV demand and overcapacity.
• Kretschmer warned that Germany is not competitive, citing high energy and labor costs and calling for more flexible labor rules.