The German Review

The German Review

What explains Volkswagen's woes?

Germany's largest carmaker is in trouble. The firm's unusual ownership model has played its part.

Jörg Luyken's avatar
Jörg Luyken
Sep 11, 2024
∙ Paid
close up photo of white Volkswagen car
Photo by Mihai Surdu on Unsplash

Dear Reader,

On the one hand, you have Volkswagen. On the other, you have the Social Democrats, Germany’s oldest Volkspartei.

As their names imply, one builds cars for the everyman, and the other crafts politics for him.

But with a touch of nostalgia, I should say "built" and "crafted." Gone are the days when the Social Demo…

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