Another point to consider is that Germany also has/had access to cheaper labor through people moving there from the east. And later the euro allows them to expo

Another point to consider is that Germany also has/had access to cheaper labor through people moving there from the east. And later the euro allows them to export heavily while not skyrocketing the price of their currency, because other euro countries somewhat balance it out. It might be that unions are the reason why German car companies are doing well, but there are definitely other factors at play too.