AutoANNUAL REPORT 2004 2 Verband der Automobilindustrie IMPRINT ISSN 0171-4317 Copyright: Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA) 2004 Westendstrasse 61, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main Internet: www.vda.de Editor: VDA Communications Dr. Karsten Eichner Design: edition agrippa gmbh Gustav-Heinemann-Ufer 84-88, D-50968 Cologne Printing: Henrich Druck + Medien Schwanheimer Strasse 110, D-60528 Frankfurt am Main FOREWORD Verband der Automobilindustrie Annual Report 2004 3 investment is compelling – today, The fact that the number of jobs virtually two-thirds of all cars produced in Germany that could potentially be in the new EU states bear a German relocated abroad is on the increase badge. Thanks to local production facili- must surely send alarm bells ringing ties and a well-developed sales organi- for Germany’s policymakers. Domestic sation, the German-brand automakers growth is too weak to allow many new have established a leading position jobs to be created. There is an urgent there, commanding over 60 per cent need for measures to create greater of certain markets. And further sales value in Germany. This will require the successes can be expected: the backlog active involvement of the trades unions of demand is huge. and also calls for continued improve- ment of the business backdrop in gen- Besides proximity to the sales mar- eral. Clinging to the status quo, a kets, it is the attractive conditions that no-risk mentality and stubborn refusal to exist there that tempt many businesses change course do not help. Rather, the to invest in the new member states. situation calls for innovative solutions Faced with fierce global competition that will restore greater freedom for and pressure to reduce costs, more and entrepreneurial and creative potential more companies – especially suppliers – in Germany. are opting for a location mix of German and Eastern European production facili- Industrial growth requires an ties to keep their cost structures com- efficient infrastructure. If the transport 2004 marks a turning point in the petitive. For many businesses, a mixed network – especially the major road history of Germany and Europe. On solution like this is the only means of network – is not rapidly developed, May 1, ten states from Central and staying ahead of tough international the potential for economic growth South-Eastern Europe joined the Euro- competition and also maintaining their cannot be exploited and integration pean Union. This biggest-ever enlarge- locations in Germany. With this in mind, of the new member states into the EU ment in the history of the EU represents it is incomprehensible that policymakers will be piecemeal. Centrally placed in a huge challenge for our community of should accuse German companies that Europe as it is, Germany is of key states, but it also holds vast opportuni- invest abroad as being "unpatriotic", a importance here: as a transit country, ties, especially for the auto industry. sweeping statement that is completely it will bear the brunt of most of the The German auto industry is actively unfounded. With the closely intertwined future traffic – and most of this will using the opportunities offered by the relationship between production facili- use the roads. Many major roads in eastward enlargement of the EU, and ties home and abroad, investing in other Germany are already congested and this is not a new phenomenon: since locations where conditions are more the economic impact of traffic jams is the fall of the Iron Curtain, over 10 billion favourable actually helps secure jobs huge. The goal of any consistent infra- euros have been invested in the new in Germany – jobs that for some time structure policy must be to take up this EU states, 8 billion euros of these in have been at much greater risk from challenge in plenty of time, with the production facilities currently capable the problems of high labour costs and necessary means. Cutting expenditure of producing over 700,000 cars. Just as insufficiently flexible working hours than on the transport network is the wrong on the Chinese market, the return on the general public realises. response. 4 Verband der Automobilindustrie FOREWORD Germany leads the world rankings to remain the world’s number one. tered in Germany already comply with in research and development, as well Although this has been less straight- the strict EURO 4 directive which does as in patents. However, we cannot allow forward than it may have seemed, the not come into effect until 2005. More ourselves to rest on our laurels. On the auto industry is determined to continue and more diesel models also have contrary - Germany cannot afford to down this path. The Technical Congress, particulate traps. Modern petrol cars lose its lead here. In the auto industry, VDA SME Day, Quality Management with catalyst technology emit virtually production and research cannot be Summit and the first-ever VDA 100 per cent clean exhaust gas. Inten- separated at will; they are closely linked Research Conference are now key sive research is going on to find alter- and mutually interdependent. If too platforms of our work. native fuels and power sources. Fuel much production is relocated abroad, consumption and emissions by commer- there is a danger that, sooner or later, Dwelling too much on problems cial vehicles, too, have been steadily the research landscape in Germany will and understating our successes seems falling for many years, as will be impres- be under threat. to be a hallmark of our society. Yet, we sively displayed at the International have a lot to be proud of. Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles The German government has pro- in Hanover in September 2004. claimed 2004 the "Year of Technology", On the safety front, accident figures a clear message that is the right are falling and the number of accident German automakers and suppliers response. Hardly any other industry fatalities in Germany has attained an rightly enjoy international acclaim for invests so much in high-tech as German all-time low. Vast, new potential for their diesel technology. And their suc- automakers and their suppliers. The active safety – preventing accidents – cess is quantifiable – half of all newly suppliers especially are true guarantors is opening up with the arrival of new registered diesel cars are German- of innovation. The supply industry is driver assist systems. The "car of the made. Other regions in the world offer responsible for much of the value gen- future" will be able to "see" and help as yet untapped potential, such as the erated by the auto industry and is a drivers avoid accidents altogether, or at almost diesel-free US market. This bastion of automobile know-how. A least limit their seriousness. Networked potential has now been recognised and number of issues, including financing systems play an important role in is starting to be exploited, as proven factors, low margins and circumstances making the vision of accident-free by the recently successful launch of such as the extremely high price of steel driving a reality. Electronics are a key German top-category diesel models on and primary materials at present, are part of this. the US market. increasing the risks, however, they are faced with. On the environmental front, modern Germany is becoming increasingly cars are cleaner and more environment- dependent on exports. This says little To attain its technological lead, the ally friendly than ever before. Fuel for the state of the domestic economy, German auto industry has invested over consumption has been steadily falling but much for the attractiveness and 110 billion euros in R&D in the last for years. Carbon dioxide emissions export capability of its products. Four- decade, including 15 billion euros in from cars have been falling for several fifths of the German foreign trade sur- 2003 alone. One in every ten jobs in years, despite continually rising plus is thanks to the auto industry. The the auto industry is in research and numbers of cars on the road. The pro- export rate has been well over 70 per development, the result of the industry’s portion of diesel cars – a key lever for cent for many years, and last year even dedication to a high-tech and premium CO2 levels – has risen to over 40 per marked a new record for exports, with strategy, as well as the determination cent. 60 per cent of all new cars regis- 3.7 million cars. Europe continues to be Annual Report 2004 5 the home market for German automakers, "Tank tourism" – the practice in border all involved – policymakers, employers but the new member states have also regions of filling up in neighbouring and unions alike – have to take on posted above-average high growth. And countries where fuel costs less – is rife, board with utmost priority. There must the German automakers are enjoying and many people are putting off buying be no respite in the reform programme. success on the US market without new cars. The average age of cars in As a key industry, the German auto- having to resort to damaging discount Germany is rising, to the detriment of mobile sector has already played its campaigns. Their consistent premium the environment. part, but it still has much to do. It is strategy is paying off – car exports approaching the tasks ahead with to the United States account for one- What we need is an end to uncer- vigour, making active use of the oppor- quarter of the total value of the tainty and rising costs. Endless debate tunities that globalisation offers. But it industry's exports. on new taxes will lower the prospects is also clearly committed to Germany of an upturn on the automobile market and the creative and innovative potential Thanks to exports in particular, after years of already falling sales.