European industry insiders, and the better informed media are taking the decision as what it is, "a warning signal," writes Der Spiegel, "the board is at the end of its patience." Most of Daimler's troubles are in the land that is home to the success of Germany's automakers: China. The board fears that "Daimler's luxury Mercedes Benz brand is losing out to Volkswagen's Audi and BMW, particularly in the important Chinese market," as China Daily can't help to opine. Daimler is expecting flat earnings this year, mostly because it had been asleep at the wheel in the Middle Kingdom. Especially in China, Daimler has become a victim of its institutional arrogance. The Benz brand has degenerated into the choice of affluent has-beens. The standard joke in China is that many Audis parked in front of a restaurant are signs of a party meeting. A row of BMWs signal a party by nouveau-riche hooligans. Whereas a parking lot full of Benzes indicates retirees having tea.