WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume sees China as "a kind of fitness center" in terms of economic development. "Innovations, for example in batteries, software or autonomous driving, are developed here pragmatically and cost-efficiently, with a high level of creativity and at an immense pace," Blume said in an interview with "Die Zeit", according to an advance report.

This know-how and this attitude could be used to transfer it to the entire Group, Blume said, adding: "Especially to Germany, where we have enjoyed our previous success for too long." Blume denied that the European automotive market "only needs to be protected from Chinese imports with tariffs". "The overall aim should be to design tariffs intelligently," said the manager. They could be linked to investment incentives, for example.

Sluggish business in China also caused VW to suffer a drop in sales across the Group last year. Sales there slumped by almost ten percent. According to its own figures, the German car manufacturer continues to lead the market for combustion engines with a market share of over 20 percent. In contrast, the local challenger BYD has long since overtaken the booming electric car market in China. "A competitive automotive industry has developed in China in a short space of time. For us, this is now a kind of fitness center," said Blume.