“The Chinese proceed in a very ⁠planned way … and have clear ​priorities - it is structured in an ​optimal way,” Blume told Bild am Sonntag.

“What we experience very positively in China is ​a high level of discipline ​and willingness to execute,” he said. “It is ‌worth ⁠looking beyond our own backyard … we can learn a great deal from how the country has developed.”

Blume ​also pointed ​to ⁠strong competition for Volkswagen in the Chinese market, which ​he said included “over 150 ​competitors ⁠and strong innovation dynamics”.

The company plans to cut 50,000 German jobs by ⁠2030 ​as part of ​an ongoing overhaul, Blume reiterated in the interview.