International attention: Why the “New York Times” is looking at a city on Lake Constance

Friedrichshafen. The economic situation of a small town on Lake Constance has made it into one of the most famous newspapers in the world: The “New York Times” reports on Friedrichshafen. The focus is on the crisis in the automotive industry and the consequences for the business location on Lake Constance. The article that landed on the front page of the international edition this week is particularly about job cuts and the difficult situation of the automotive supplier ZF. Several media outlets had previously reported on it.

“I was happy and just a little surprised that our city was attracting interest even across the pond,” said Mayor Simon Blümcke (independent) to SWR. He was satisfied with the portrayal in the newspaper. “The article is written fairly and uses Friedrichshafen as an example to show the connections between the automotive industry and cities,” he explained when asked.

Friedrichshafen is closely linked to the automotive industry. The supplier ZF is one of the region's most important employers. But the industry is in a state of upheaval: the switch to electromobility, international competitive pressure and weak demand are putting companies under pressure. ZF is also struggling with economic difficulties and wants to cut around 14,000 jobs in Germany by the end of 2028. For 2025, the group reported a loss of around 2.1 billion euros, which was also burdened by special effects.

Under the title “We were once a wealthy city,” the “New York Times” describes how clearly Friedrichshafen is feeling the effects of the crisis. A special feature is the close connection between the city and the company: the city holds around 94 percent of the shares in ZF through the Zeppelin Foundation. The group's profits also benefit the general public through the foundation.

In good years, considerable sums flowed into municipal projects. In 2018, according to the New York Times, it was 192 million euros. Last year the distribution shrank to 41 million euros, and no payment is expected this year. Residents are also feeling the consequences: for example, child care fees have risen significantly.

However, Blümcke sees the presentation as only a part of Friedrichshafen's economic development. “Unfortunately, what has been overlooked is that we are experiencing a simultaneity among the companies in our city: while one company is mastering difficult times, the other company is investing heavily in the location and building jobs,” he explained.

The mayor is nevertheless pleased about the international attention. “Which German city makes it onto the front page of the international edition of the New York Times,” said Blümcke. International perception is worth a lot.