{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"hearthis.at","provider_url":"https:\/\/hearthis.at","height":"150","width":"100%","title":"Europe and German Business News Update \u2013 August 18-2026","description":"Welcome to the infobrokerworld News Update, where we bring you the latest insights from the German market\u2026..\r\n\r\nMy Name is Ray Cooks\u00a0the AI voice of the infobrokerworld Audio Line.\u2026.\r\n\r\nMy Name is Jennifer Bennett\u00a0the AI voice of the infobrokerworld Audio Line.\u2026.\r\n\r\nand here are today's top stories.\r\n\r\nToday is August 18th 2026.\r\n\r\nGermany\u2019s productivity challenge is moving into focus. A new study suggests that economic productivity is barely growing, raising concerns about the country\u2019s long-term prosperity. Artificial intelligence could offer part of the answer by helping companies turn existing expertise, corporate data and legacy software into more scalable products.\r\n\r\nThere is also a major deal in German industry. Fan manufacturer EBM-Papst is set to be sold to US company Madison Air for nearly five billion euros. The transaction could give the German company better access to the American market.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, competition in the automotive sector is intensifying. Mercedes-Benz is returning to the taxi business, but Chinese manufacturer BYD is targeting the same market with electric vehicles and aggressive pricing.\r\n\r\nAnd in fintech, Auxmoney is exploring new growth opportunities after reporting around 50 million euros in annual earnings and a strong increase in lending volumes.\r\n\nThat's today's business update. Thanks for tuning in to Business Insights. See you next time!\r\n\r\n+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\r\n\r\n\ud83c\udfa7 About the Daily News Update\r\n\nThe infobroker.de Daily News Update delivers the latest business news and social developments from Germany every weekday, Monday to Friday compactly summarized in English.\r\n\r\nThe format is designed for international listeners who want to stay informed about developments in Germany\u2019s economy, politics, technology, and society, concise, independent, and journalistically curated.\r\n\r\nEach episode highlights the day\u2019s key topics, offering executives, analysts, and media professionals a quick and reliable overview of current events in Germany.\r\n\r\nProduced by infobroker.de, a professional provider of research and data analysis services, the Daily News Update combines editorial quality with technological efficiency, using advanced AI tools for audio and speech production.\r\n\r\nGoal: Delivering up-to-date knowledge from Germany, clear, relevant, and globally accessible.\r\n\r\nAvailable on all major podcast platforms and on the website:\r\n\ud83d\udc49\u00a0https:\/\/www.infobrokerworld.com\/the-daily-news-update\/\r\n\n\ud83c\udfe2 About infobrokerworld.com\r\n\nInfobrokerworld.com is an independent information service provider specializing in professional business data and research. Founded in 1990 by Information Professional Michael Klems, the service supports companies, consultants, and creatives in obtaining reliable information from external databases \u2013 worldwide and without the need for their own data subscriptions.\r\n\r\nWith more than 1,200 specialized research services, infobroker.de provides access to over 40 million company profiles, commercial register data, trademark and insolvency reports. Clients receive verified data on companies in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia, and beyond \u2013 conveniently delivered by email after simple online ordering.\r\n\r\nThe portfolio covers credit reports, company profiles, trademark searches, and monitoring services, as well as AI-based solutions such as ChatGPT consulting, AI image production, and podcast and video content creation.\r\n\r\nMichael Klems is recognized as one of Germany\u2019s leading Information Professionals. As an author, speaker, and lecturer, he shares his expertise in online research, data analysis, and the use of artificial intelligence in business.\r\n\r\ninfobroker.de combines decades of experience in information research with modern digital methods to provide accurate and up-to-date business intelligence.\r\n\r\nWebsite:\u00a0https:\/\/www.infobrokerworld.com\/","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/img.hearthis.at\/6\/9\/3\/_\/uploads\/2394199\/image_track\/14632643\/w1200_h628_q70_ptrue_v2_m1787031556----cropped_1787031553396.jpg?m=1787031556","thumbnail_width":1200,"thumbnail_height":628,"html":"