German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows

"The competition in the Chinese market is ​the most intense competition in the world," ​Hildegard Mueller, president of Germany's VDA auto lobby, ⁠told reporters.

German automakers are still in the fight ​thanks to a clutch of model launches and tech ​innovations at the event.

However, they must accept that their historically strong market share in China can no longer be held ​as a benchmark for success, Mueller said.

"The Chinese ​manufacturers will have a bigger role now and in future," she ‌added, ⁠with patriotism playing a role among Chinese consumers.

While there was still growth potential in China as opposed to Europe or the United States, a slowdown in ​the world's ​second-largest economy ⁠was intensifying challenges.

"China is in economic crisis with high unemployment and many have ​to save. This is visible in car ​sales, ⁠particularly in the upper luxury segment," Mueller said.

Still, Chinese brands like Geely and Nio made moves on this ⁠segment ​at the show, presenting new cars ​with advanced features at cheaper prices than German rivals like Mercedes ​and BMW.