Zetsche, Winterkorn See Opportunity in Europe’s Migrant Crisis

Accommodating the influx of some 800,000 migrants into Germany will be a "Herculean task," notes Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche at a reception ahead of the Frankfurt auto show. But he also says the wave of refugees could fuel an "economic miracle" akin to the boom in Germany in the 1950s and 1960s.

Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn concurs. Both say the group fleeing strife in the Middle East include many highly skilled workers. "A lot of highly qualified people are coming over," Winterkorn tells Bloomberg News. He adds that many others are strongly motivated and eager to start new lives in Europe.

Zetsche says Daimler is supporting housing for immigrants in Germany and matching donations by employees. Winterkorn vows to help find trainee jobs for migrants.