China's automaking rise spurs German industry's turn to arms

Volkswagen vehicles painted in military olive green are displayed at the IAA trade show in Hanover, Germany, in September. The cars were produced at the company's factory in Osnabrueck, which is set to be converted into a plant for missile defense systems, preserving some jobs. (Photo by Jens Kastner) Plants repurposed and manpower diverted as EU attempts trade rebalancing OSNABRUECK, Germany -- Behind Volkswagen's factory in the western German city of Osnabrueck, hundreds of new T-Roc Cabriolets sat on freight wagons in the early autumn sunshine, awaiting delivery to dealerships. Outside the main entrance, the scene hinted at the future of the 125-year-old auto plant: VW vehicles painted in olive-green camouflage were transported on trucks, while stickers on lampposts urged workers to rebel against the looming militarization of the facility.