Overview

• Production in Zwickau resumed Monday after a one‑week halt, with Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and Saxony’s Michael Kretschmer visiting the plant.
• The site remains underused, with capacity above 300,000 vehicles versus a little over 200,000 expected this year and next, fueling worker anxiety and protests.
• Schneider highlighted an additional €3 billion over three years to spur domestic EV demand, complementing autogipfel decisions on technology openness and tax breaks for e‑cars to 2035.
• Kretschmer pressed for rapid clarity on purchase incentives and lower charging electricity prices, while warning that high energy costs and wage levels strain competitiveness.
• Future model allocation is still being set, with FAZ reporting the ID.3 may stay longer, the Cupra Born could remain, the Audi Q4 e‑tron appears secure, and ID.4 shifting to Emden, as recycling and repurposing options are explored.