Altech Advanced Materials, McDonald's, Volkswagen - Innovation and crisis resilience open up lucrative investment opportunities

Altech develops promising 60 kWh sodium chloride battery prototype

Altech Advanced Materials AG has made a significant breakthrough in battery technology. The Company has successfully developed and commissioned a 60 kWh battery prototype that uses common salt and does not rely on critical raw materials. The prototype, known as CERENERGY®, is based on the sodium chloride solid-state battery technology developed by the Fraunhofer Institute and exhibits remarkable properties. These include an extensive operating temperature range, a lifespan of 15 years – about twice as long as conventional lithium-ion batteries – and excellent thermal stability.

The prototype is currently being tested for efficiency, stability and overall performance under real-world conditions in the test laboratory of joint venture partner Fraunhofer IKTS. The initial results are extremely promising. With stable performance over more than 500 cycles and a consistent discharge capacity of 80 Ah at an efficiency of up to 91%.

In light of the energy transition and the electrification of industry, the potential for salt-ceramic batteries is considerable. Altech Advanced Materials plans to build a 120 MWh production plant with estimated investment costs of EUR 156 million in the Schwarze Pumpe industrial area in Saxony. The operators of the industrial area have signed a letter of intent for an annual purchase of 30 MWh over 5 years.** This puts Altech at the forefront of advanced battery technology, which is ready for industrial use.

McDonald's struggles with E. coli outbreak: Share price under pressure, Trump visit intensifies debate

A severe E. coli outbreak at McDonald's has caused a stir in the US. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 49 cases of illness in ten states, including one death in Colorado. The outbreak, which began in late September, has been linked to the popular "Quarter Pounder" burger, whose ingredients are now being examined, particularly fresh onions and ground beef. As a result of these events, the McDonald's share price fell by more than 6% at times in after-hours trading.

Amid this crisis, Donald Trump also came under fire. The Republican presidential candidate recently prepared burgers at a McDonald's restaurant, thereby launching a high-profile PR campaign. Trump's appearance led to numerous negative online reviews and intensified the public discussion about hygiene and safety at fast food chains. According to surveys, this popular campaign has given him a lead over his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris.

Despite the current challenges, McDonald's has the potential to recover. The incident is a classic event that has a short-term impact on the share price but does not necessarily mean long-term damage to the brand. The Company has already taken measures to remove the affected products from sale and to ensure the safety of its food.

VW Executive in China arrested and deported for drug use

The high-ranking Volkswagen executive in China, Jochen Sengpiehl, tested positive for drugs at Beijing Airport upon his return from a vacation in Thailand. The 56-year-old marketing and product development manager had both cannabis and cocaine residues in his blood. In China, any drug use, even if it occurs abroad, is severely punished.

After testing positive, Sengpiehl was held in custody for 10 days and then expelled from the country. The incident has caused a stir in the German expat community in China.

Volkswagen itself has not yet commented on the case, citing labor and data protection reasons. Sengpiehl had been working for Volkswagen since August 2022, tasked with making electric models more attractive to younger car buyers.

The incident comes at an inopportune moment for Volkswagen, as the group is already facing significant challenges in China, its most important single market. In the third quarter, sales in the Chinese market fell by 10% compared to the previous year. In addition, the Company is facing criticism over its plant in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang, as it is accused of profiting from alleged forced labor.

The Sengpiehl case raises questions about possible political implications. In the past, arrests of foreign business people in China have occasionally been used as leverage, further complicating the situation.

Altech's development of the CERENERGY® battery demonstrates that companies that invest in future-oriented technologies have considerable potential. The Company has made significant progress with its salt-ceramic battery prototype. With a planned production plant in Saxony and a declaration of intent for the purchase of 30 MWh annually over 5 years, Altech Advanced Materials is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced battery technology. McDonald's rapid response to the E. coli outbreak highlights the importance of efficient crisis management. Companies that communicate transparently and act quickly can maintain the trust of consumers and investors. The restaurant chain's fundamentals remain unchanged as a result of the incident. Volkswagen is facing a scandal in China after a high-ranking executive was expelled for drug use. The incident comes at an inopportune moment for VW, as the Company is already struggling with challenges in the Chinese market, including falling sales and criticism of a plant in Xinjiang. VW must now not only deal with the internal consequences of this incident but also rethink its strategy in the crucial Chinese market. For investors, this presents attractive opportunities in companies that impress with innovative technologies, effective crisis management and the development of new markets.