There is(was?) a phrase here: „Wenn Volkswagen hustet, geht es Niedersachsen nicht gut.“ meaning If VW is coughing (the whole of) Niedersachsen suffers.

Apparently said by former chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

https://gutezitate.com/zitat/152677

Also https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article167476785/Ohne-Volkswa... (use translation services, damn it!)

Furthermore https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/vw-gesetz-faq-101.html (see above)

I guess similar applies to Mercedes, BMW in their respective states.