- Germany’s car industry was once recognized around the world for its high-quality, innovative internal combustion engine cars. But things have changed since then.
- The industry is facing a range of issues, from regulation to macroeconomics, China and EVs.
- Issues in the automotive sector may also have spill over effects onto the wider German economy, which has been struggling for some time now.
I don’t even think it’s a question of innovation, more just perceived reliability. A large part of the reason Mercedes and other German brands were considered high quality was that they were more reliable than a lot of other brands on the market, while being good to drive. That isn’t really the case anymore, and Toyota and Honda have that basically cornered that market to the point that it’s an outlier to fine one that isn’t reliable.
Mercedes and BMW were never known for reliability. They were known for combining luxury and a great driving experience, which couldn’t be had from any other car company, even Porsche (which was only about driving not luxury until recently) or Cadillac (only luxury and not driving until recently). German engineering has been famous for poor reliability since at least the early 80s.
That sounds about right. I’m 30+ and I’ve only ever known BMW and Mercedes as unreliable rich people cars. I’m from a lower income town where most people drive more sensible compact Japanese cars. Also American models, but those were always considered less desirable long term. These days you do see a lot of shitty large pick up trucks from the more “affluent families” sadly.
You have no understanding of any market outside your own little bubble, and looking at your past comments really enjoy speaking from that vast void of Dunning-Kruger. It’s really pathetic.
What are you going on about? What specifically about my post makes you think I have no understanding of the German car market? I mean, I’ve only owned multiple BMWs, a Mercedes, and an Audi. I’ve driven Porsches on the racetrack and VWs on the autobahn. My parents and friends’ parents had BMWs and Mercedes when I was a kid. I’m definitely no expert on the overall car market or even the German car market, but I’ve been a car enthusiast since I was a kid in the early 80s and have a decent understanding of the basics.