Germany · Country watch
BASF Eyes Evonik, Tank Rebate Approved, VW Recall
BASF considers acquiring Evonik, a new tank rebate is approved, and VW recalls nearly a million cars in Germany.
In this briefing Bundestag · Bundesrat · Volkswagen Group · Audi · Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt · BASF · Evonik Industries
Regulation
Germany approves new tank rebate
The German Bundestag and Bundesrat have approved a new tank rebate, set to reduce fuel prices by approximately 17 cents per liter from October to December, according to DIE WELT. This legislative move aims to alleviate the burden of high fuel costs on consumers amid the ongoing energy price crisis. The rebate is part of a broader strategy to manage energy costs and support economic stability.
Impact Fuel retailers and consumers will see a temporary price reduction, affecting energy sector revenues.
Sources: Hamburger Abendblatt ↗, DIE WELT ↗, ARD Tagesschau ↗, DIE WELT ↗
Disruption
VW and Audi recall nearly a million cars

Volkswagen and Audi are recalling nearly a million cars in Germany due to a potential steering failure caused by a faulty screw, Handelsblatt reports. The recall affects multiple models, including the Golf Variant. The Kraftfahrtbundesamt (KBA) has issued a recommendation for the recall, which could expand further. This recall is part of a larger global recall affecting 2.8 million vehicles.
Impact Automotive dealers and repair shops will handle increased recall service demands; VW faces reputational risk.
Sources: Handelsblatt ↗, DIE WELT ↗, Frankfurter Allgemeine ↗, Handelsblatt ↗
Internal tension
Nothing significant reported today.
Safety & health
Nothing significant reported today.
Companies
BASF considers acquiring Evonik
BASF is considering acquiring Evonik, according to Handelsblatt. Evonik confirmed that BASF has made an approach, though no talks are currently underway. If successful, this acquisition would create a major player in the chemical industry in Germany. Evonik's stock rose by 11% following the news. The potential deal underscores BASF's strategy to expand its footprint in the chemical sector.
Impact Investors in Evonik see stock value increase; BASF's potential acquisition may reshape the chemical industry.
Sources: Handelsblatt ↗, ZEIT ↗, DIE WELT ↗, Frankfurter Allgemeine ↗
Markets
Nothing significant reported today.
Trade
Nothing significant reported today.
Politics
Nothing significant reported today.
Also today in Germany
- Dialysekonzern: FMC stellt Chinageschäft neu auf: 110 Millionen Sonderkosten — ZEIT
- Verkehr: Störung der S3 zwischen Pinneberg und Elbgaustraße vorbei — ZEIT
- Baukonjunktur: Aufträge für Baubranche sinken im Juli - Wohnungsbau stockt — Handelsblatt
- Autobahn-Baustelle: Autobahnbrücke bei Hochheim wegen Bauarbeiten gesperrt — ZEIT
- Morning Briefing: Drei Gründe, warum der Ausverkauf am Anleihemarkt weitergeht — Handelsblatt
- Nikkei, Yen, Hang Seng: Asiens Börsen trotzen globalem Anleihe-Ausverkauf – Nikkei im Plus — Handelsblatt
- Staatsanleihen: Ölschock und KI-Boom - Kampf ums Kapital treibt die Renditen — Handelsblatt
- Wall Street: US-Börsen öffnen im Plus – Anleiherenditen weiter auf hohem Niveau — Handelsblatt
Sources in this briefing
Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.
The same day elsewhere
- Argentina: Electrolux Closes Plant; Country Risk Surges
- Brazil: Lula Bans Betting, Inflation Surges
- Canada: Ontario Teachers Plan Strike, Islamic Schools Threatened
- China: Beijing Real Estate Rules, EV Tax Resumes, Gold Trading Curbs
- Colombia: Gas Rationing Declared, Diplomatic Break with Iran
- Spain: Ibex 35 Climbs, Ceuta Military Rules, Diesel Prices
- France: Macron's Fuel Strategy, VW Recall, Climate Protests
- United Kingdom: Beckham's Dividend, Glasgow Labour Dispute
- India: US Bond Yields Impact India, Red Alert in Uttarakhand
- Iraq: Iraq-Egypt Transport Talks, Iraq-Oman Anti-Corruption Pact
- Iran: Iran's Remote Work Changes, Oil Prices Dip
- Italy: Eni Caps Fuel Prices, Stellantis Halts Production
- Japan: Yen Rises to 156, AI Data Center Scrutiny
- Kenya: Tax Reforms, Flood Preparations, Solar Fines
- South Korea: DMZ Explosions Probe, Chuseok Traffic Jams
- Lebanon: Fuel Strike Looms, Gold Reserves Under Scrutiny
- Morocco: 14 Ministers Win Seats, BAM Revises Forecasts
- Mexico: Hurricane Polo Intensifies, US Diesel Export Concerns
- Malaysia: Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Pact; Severe Weather Hits
- Nigeria: Scrap Dealers Strike, Kwara Solar Grid, Naira Stable
- Netherlands: Merwedebrug Closure, XR Rail Disruption, Fuel Prices
- Poland: Lead in Water Alert, GPW Indices Dip, Evacuation Drill
- Portugal: Fuel Protests Escalate, Influenza Outbreak in Estremoz
- Russia: New Laws in October, Moscow Exchange Drops
- Senegal: Senelec Restores Power, Heavy Rainfall Alert
- Syria: US Lifts Syria Sanctions, Fuel Stations Shut
- Turkey: Emlak Katılım's Moves, SPK Investigations
- Ukraine: ArcelorMittal Shuts Plant, McDonald's Warehouse Hit
- United States: Pentagon Blacklists Anthropic, Treasury Yields Rise
- Vietnam: Vietnam Cracks Down on Counterfeits, USD Weakens