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Souring state of mind in German vehicle sector sets dismal tone for VW labour talks

Company belief in the German automobile industry moved deeper into negative territory in August, according to a survey, offering a bleak background to labour talks due to begin on Wednesday at Volkswagen over its ambitious costcutting drive.

Ifo's business sentiment indication for the sector fell from -18.5 in July to -24.7 the following month, the financial institute said on Wednesday.

Belief in the vehicle market is taking a nosedive, Ifo sector professional Anita Woelfl said in a declaration pointing to considerably cynical expectations for the coming six months.

The expectations indicator dropped from -29.5 points in July to -40.5 in August, according to Ifo's monthly study.

Companies in the German vehicle industry are suffering from an absence of brand-new orders, specifically from abroad. This is now also being reflected in personnel planning, Woelfl said.

On Monday, Volkswagen said it would prematurely end a task security programme in place considering that 1994 and set the phase for plant closures in Germany.

The company - Europe's leading cars and truck maker by income and long a. symbol of Germany's commercial might - is holding talks in between. management and the workforce in the future Wednesday.

(source: Reuters)