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Merkel opens Frankfurt Auto Show

Xinhua, September 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said a strong and innovative auto industry is a growth engine of the German economy vital for the German and European economies.

Merkel made the remarks in a speech at the Frankfurt Auto Show, which opened to viewers on Thursday. She said the German government will continue to support the development of auto industry and the promotion of electric cars.

At a time when European countries are faced with the challenges of migrants, Merkel expressed her wish that the auto industry in Germany could provide more opportunities for migrants to get integrated to the German society.

The German auto industry is investing 16 to 18 billion euros ( 18 to 20 billion U.S. dollars) in connected and automated driving over the next three to four years, said Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), at the opening ceremony.

He said that the digitization of mobility is the mega topic driving the automotive industry forward with innovations, which will make driving safer and more comfortable.

More than 1,100 exhibitors from nearly 40 countries are displaying their products among which there are 219 world premieres this year. The fair will last till Sept. 27. Endit