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Starcar shuts down in Hamburg: Car rental company ceases operations – up to 1,000 jobs affected
Starcar is closing down, but the scale of the collapse is surprising many: The Hamburg-based car rental company is ceasing operations following its insolvency, and more than 1,000 jobs within the group are at risk. The company filed for insolvency at the end of 2025, and until recently, no investor could be found for a
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Cold wave drives France’s nuclear power production to record levels
France is experiencing a cold snap, causing a noticeable increase in electricity demand. At the same time, generation is reaching record levels, and electricity prices are reacting more quickly than usual. In this situation, nuclear power and grid stability become crucial factors, as they ensure supply during peak demand. (bloomberg: 31.12.25) Cold snap during winter
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How a terrorist attack is downplayed as a “power outage”
On January 3, 2026, a key connection of Berlin’s power supply caught fire on a cable bridge over the Teltow Canal, causing a power outage in the southwest of the city amid wintry temperatures. Up to 45,000 households and thousands of businesses were affected. Investigators suspect a politically motivated arson attack on critical infrastructure, perpetrated
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A multi-billion euro shortfall in long-term care insurance – what critics warned about before its introduction is now coming to pass
Long-term care insurance is reaching a critical threshold because expenditures are growing faster than the funding base. The average out-of-pocket cost for nursing home care already exceeds €3,000 per month, while at the same time, the insurance funds are accumulating deficits. This is precisely the scenario that critics warned about before 1995: A partial-benefit system
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China sets limits for the electricity consumption of electric cars
China will introduce a mandatory standard on January 1, 2026, limiting the energy consumption of new electric cars. The government intends to enforce efficiency through both technical and fiscal means. Manufacturers must design their models according to weight and technology to ensure demonstrable energy efficiency and allow buyers to continue benefiting from tax exemptions. These
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Smart meter rollout – many municipal utilities are falling significantly short of the target
At first glance, the target for the smart meter rollout appears to have been met. The Federal Network Agency reports a rate of 20.2 percent for mandatory installations by the end of September 2025. However, many metering point operators are still lagging far behind. For numerous operators, fines are becoming increasingly likely. This target primarily
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Power outage lasting for days – Berlin shows why statistics are misleading and self-preparation is important
Berlin is considered to have a reliable power supply, yet a local power outage there can last for several days. This experience shatters the convenient assumption that technology always guarantees immediate help. In a real emergency, it’s not the often-cited average power outage duration of just over 11 minutes that matters, but rather the exceptional
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Blow to Tesla – China mandates mechanical emergency release for retractable door handles
Electrically retractable door handles are becoming a regulatory issue in China, as the country plans to mandate mechanical emergency release mechanisms. Electric car manufacturers will therefore have to redesign their systems, since safety will take precedence. China has set a deadline for this regulation, which will hit Tesla hard, as all Tesla models are affected.
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Court allows manufacturers to remotely shut down solar storage systems – buyers have little chance
Anyone buying a home energy storage system plans for stable performance, yet a remote shutdown by the manufacturer can suddenly change everything. The Traunstein Regional Court and the Munich Higher Regional Court grant manufacturers of solar storage systems considerable leeway when a fire risk becomes concrete. Many customers then hope for a warranty claim, but
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Hungary is drastically cutting taxes to support its economy in 2026
In Hungary, the government is relying on tax cuts and wage subsidies in 2026 to stabilize purchasing power during a weak economy. In Germany, however, the situation is less beneficial for many households because marginal tax relief is practically offset by higher social security contributions and the increased CO2 tax, resulting in a net loss
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CO2 tax drives up fuel prices – petrol and diesel with a significant surcharge in the new year
Fuel prices rose sharply at the start of the year for several reasons that had a simultaneous effect. The CO₂ tax increased the price per liter as a fixed surcharge, and diesel and gasoline prices reacted to this immediately in the market. Crude oil prices also set the framework for purchasing and trading, which is
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Banking earthquake – Morgan Stanley sees 200,000 jobs in Europe at risk by 2030
Europe’s major banks are facing a tough efficiency program because investors are increasingly comparing cost ratios and profitability. Furthermore, digital processes are now scaling faster than traditional branch models. Morgan Stanley therefore expects significant staff reductions. Artificial intelligence and branch closures are also intended to serve as levers for increased productivity. (ft: 31.12.25) Morgan Stanley
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Consumer slump – many Germans lack the money for increased spending
Christmas sales were weaker than hoped, and this perfectly reflects the situation of many households. It’s not a general reluctance to spend that’s causing the slump in consumer spending, but rather a lack of financial leeway. Inflation has increased basic costs, while social security contributions continue to rise. At the same time, the CO2 tax
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Members outraged – wave of cancellations at ADAC after interview about fuel prices
The ADAC (German Automobile Club) has experienced an extraordinary wave of membership cancellations in recent days. Many members are posting their resignations on social media following an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung,” because they no longer feel represented. In the interview, Gerhard Hillebrand, the ADAC’s transport president, spoke about fuel prices and defended the
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Berlin’s disaster relief: 97-year-old on a cot – photos with politicians instead of leadership
The power outage in southwest Berlin is far more than just a technical crisis following an attack. It’s a litmus test for Berlin’s disaster preparedness. And this litmus test exposes what the Court of Auditors has already described: a lack of coordination, unclear responsibilities, and inadequate preparation (apollo-news: 05.01.26). In practice, this means: coldness, improvisation