On the afternoon of March 14, 2025, the SZTU Business School successfully hosted a lecture titled ‘German Economic Overview and Challenges in the Automotive Industry" at C5-450. The event was chaired by Assistant Professor Dr. Daniel Berg, with Guest Professor Günter Hofbauer from Technical University Ingolstadt of Applied Sciences in Germany as the keynote speaker. The lecture provided an in-depth analysis of the current economic conditions of China and Germany, technological transformations, and the future of the automotive industry, aimed at 2023 International Business students.
The lecture began with Professor Günter Hofbauer offering a detailed interpretation of key global economic indicators such as GDP and CPI, highlighting their importance in assessing the health of national economies. A key focus of the discussion was the comparison between the economic scales of Germany and China—Germany’s GDP stands at approximately 4.1 trillion USD, while China’s GDP is 16.15 trillion USD. This comparison underscored the distinct roles the two countries play in the global economic landscape, prompting reflections on the shifting balance of economic power. Regarding inflation, Professor Günter Hofbauer reviewed the notable inflation fluctuations from 2020 to 2024, particularly the peaks of 28% and 9% in certain regions. He provided a profound analysis of how inflation erodes consumer purchasing power, with particular emphasis on the automotive sector. Furthermore, the professor explored the intricate relationship between inflation and GDP growth, examining the far-reaching effects of global economic dynamics and monetary policy, with a specific focus on the challenges these policies pose to market stability.
Figure 1. Professor Günter Hofbauer during the Lecture
A central theme of the lecture was the current state and future prospects of Germany’s automotive industry. Professor Günter Hofbauer highlighted the pivotal role of the German automotive sector in the global economy. However, with the rise of the electric vehicle market, German consumers face significant challenges in adopting electric vehicles, including high prices, limited charging infrastructure, and the constraints of battery technology. He particularly noted the emergence of Chinese electric vehicle brands such as BYD, along with the growth of battery manufacturers, which are reshaping the competitive landscape in Germany’s automotive market. This shift has prompted the German industry to accelerate its focus on the development of sustainable mobility solutions.
In the final segment of the lecture, Professor Günter Hofbauer discussed the disruptions in global supply chains, particularly the impact of semiconductor shortages on production lines across various industries. He delved into how such issues have led to widespread instability in global supply chains, and analyzed how economic recession signals from Germany and other regions have influenced consumer behavior and industrial transformations. The professor emphasized that supply chain disruptions are not just short-term challenges but may also redefine the global industrial competitive landscape in the years to come.
The lecture not only provided a comprehensive overview of the current global economic situation and challenges but also stimulated deep reflections among students and faculty regarding future economic policies, technological innovations, and the outlook for global industries. The event offered a thought-provoking platform for exchange, sparking wide-ranging discussions on topics such as the future of industries, global trade, and economic forecasting, broadening attendees' understanding of the present and future economic landscape.
Figure 2. Scene from the Guest Lecture
Copywriter: Zhuo Yuefan
Review: Daniel Berg
