(FILES) An aerial view shows new cars of the Volkswagen group ready for shipping close to the Volkswagen plant in Emden, northwestern Germany, on April 23, 2026 during a media day ahead of the National Maritime Conference. German industry is struggling to recover as the Middle East war heightens uncertainty and raises costs, data suggested on May 8, 2026, hitting Europe's top economy amid a prolonged slump. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)