Chinese brands took 12.7% of European car registrations in the third quarter, ahead of Japanese carmakers at 11.9%, according to Dataforce

The auto industry crisis threatens more than just thousands of jobs

"How long and how intensive this confrontation needs to be is Volkswagen's responsibility at the negotiating table," said IG Metall’s spokesperson, Groeger, on Sunday

Alternative mobility options were also offered for permanent residents and tourists which included buses with zero-emissions, car-sharing and electric scooters that could be selected via an app.