Hasn't stopped Germany. And it's not due to their social market economy either.
True but remember 1965 was still post WWII where we stood like a Colossus in the world. There was little or no competition from Europe. Asia and South America did not have the rule of law, Central Banking systems, infrastructure, education, or political stability necessary for economic growth. As a society we want the high wage, high tech, high value added manufacturing. That is where we need to focus. Of course it doesn't help that GE just moved their High Tech Imagine Division to China.
Yes it did.
Germany's GDP and manufacturing output did not hit pre-war levels until the late 1980's. Final clearing of bombed out shells didn't end until 1990. The war had a profound effect on Germany.
Germany concentrates on high tech, high value added manufacturing products. A good national strategy.
BTW 60% of BMW's sold in Germany are produced in Alabama and shipped to Germany.