ifo: German Automakers in 'Crisis Mood' as Export Expectations, Order Backlogs Fall

05:23 AM EDT, 10/05/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Sentiment in the German automotive sector worsened in September, with companies "in crisis mood" as their export expectations and order backlogs declined. The business climate indicator tumbled to -35 points from -22 points in August, the ifo Institute said Monday. Employment expectations in the industry were also in a downturn, and businesses warned of a sharp fall in their third-quarter earnings compared with the prior three-month period.