Volkswagen Restructuring: Lower Saxony’s premier Olaf Lies says VW could protect jobs by producing in Germany models currently developed for China—an answer to pressure from Chinese EVs, US tariffs and weak European demand, as reports swirl about up to 100,000 job cuts and closure of four plants. Grid Investment: RWE is buying a majority stake in TSO Amprion, turning regulated transmission grids into a “third growth pillar” and committing billions to expand Germany’s power network. Auto Strategy Watch: Separate reporting flags Porsche considering shifting Cayenne production to Leipzig to improve capacity use, echoing wider German automaker rethink amid China competition. Pension Reform: Germany is preparing a major overhaul, with proposals to raise the retirement age gradually to 70 by 2092 and create a Sweden-inspired pension fund investing up to 2% of gross pay. Heatwave Shock: A record-breaking European heatwave hit Germany again, with authorities issuing extreme heat alerts and reporting rising excess deaths in parts of Europe. Tech & Retail: At Eurobike in Frankfurt, smart and AI-enabled e-bikes and safety systems are pitched as a sales revival lever for cycling. Energy Partnerships: Germany and Algeria signed deals to modernise Algeria’s electricity grid and expand green hydrogen and methane-reduction cooperation. AI & Consumer Caution: UK supermarket trials of smart trolleys show higher spend, but researchers warn shoppers to stay aware of how digital prompts steer buying.