Munich taxi industry warns of existential crisis due to Uber & Co.

250 taxi companies with 6,000 employees are struggling with losses. Social insurance fraud running into the millions and the lack of minimum fares are exacerbating the situation. The industry is calling for the same rules for all providers.

Taxi demonstration in Munich at the end of April: Drivers protested against unfair competitive conditions and once again called for the introduction of minimum fares for private-hire operators. | Photo: H.J. Götz
Taxi demonstration in Munich at the end of April: Drivers protested against unfair competitive conditions and once again called for the introduction of minimum fares for private-hire operators. | Photo: H.J. Götz

Munich’s taxi trade is drawing attention to its economic plight on the occasion of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich. Industry representatives have delivered two urgent letters to the president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hildegard Müller, as well as to Munich’s Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter. In addition, a demonstration with taxis is planned around the Open Spaces of the trade fair.

Demand for minimum fares

At the center of the criticism is the Munich city council’s decision of July 30, 2025 to vote against introducing minimum fares for private hire vehicle providers such as Uber and Bolt. The taxi trade continues to call for the introduction of such fares to create a level playing field. It is also demanding rigorous checks and the enforcement of existing regulations.

Criticism of competitive conditions

According to the associations, platform-based providers are increasingly pushing taxi companies out of the market. More than two thirds of private-hire vehicle operators affiliated with platforms are said to have their registered office outside Munich and therefore do not pay trade tax in the city. The customs authority and local supervisory authorities also estimate annual social security fraud amounting to more than 20 million euros by private-hire vehicle operators in Munich.

Economic situation of taxi companies

The economic situation of taxi companies in the Bavarian state capital is strained. Around 250 companies with approximately 6,000 employees subject to social insurance contributions are affected. According to the industry, no company has been able to turn a profit in the first eight months of 2025. Many drivers are facing existential threats to their livelihoods.

Importance for the automotive industry

The taxi industry also points to its role as a purchaser of vehicles. With more than 50,000 vehicles regularly renewed nationwide, the sector is considered an important partner for numerous manufacturers. However, the associations see this position as being jeopardized by current political decisions.

Content automatically translated.
Logobanner Liste (Views)