(Frankfurt a. M., 29.04.2024) The German automotive industry must significantly increase its productivity and innovative strength in new technologies. This is the conclusion of a study for which the VDE surveyed high-ranking executives and company bosses from various areas of the value chain as well as politicians. These included representatives from car manufacturers, suppliers, battery producers and research and development. However, the experts surveyed are also convinced that the German automotive industry is definitely competitive when it comes to electromobility.
"We assume that electric vehicles will dominate the market in the future. That's why we asked how well prepared Germany is from the perspective of key players," explains Dr. Ralf Petri, Head of the Mobility Division at VDE. "Expressed in school grades, the respondents rated the competitiveness of the German automotive industry as 3+. We cannot be satisfied with that."
Designing cost-effective e-cars in Germany
In the opinion of those surveyed, Germany as an automotive location is not sufficiently prepared for the far-reaching change. The fact that the industry has been doing very well in recent years has led to a loss of competitiveness. This is now taking its toll as interest rates have risen, energy prices are high and competition from abroad is becoming ever stronger. Catching up in terms of competitiveness, particularly in the core areas of software and battery technology, is therefore seen as crucial. Manufacturing processes must be radically redesigned, including more automation. There is an urgent need to develop solutions, especially for inexpensive e-cars for the mass market. Otherwise, vehicles from this segment will mainly come from China by 2035.
Creating predictable framework conditions
The transformation of the industry, growing international competition, ongoing global crises and high energy prices and interest rates have led to greater uncertainty. Politicians and industry agree that there is an urgent need for predictable framework conditions – among other things, to create more investment security.
Tackling the persistent skills shortage in the areas of software and AI
Alongside productivity, the shortage of skilled workers is seen as the biggest challenge. The professional requirements in the automotive industry will change noticeably. Digital skills are coming to the fore. For technological innovations such as autonomous driving, knowledge of programming languages, software architecture and data science is essential. The demand for these job profiles exists across all industries, and competition is correspondingly high. Attracting these digital experts is crucial for the future viability of the automotive industry. A particular disadvantage of the automotive industry is that its reputation is overshadowed by discussions about Dieselgate and climate protection, especially among the younger generation.
"When company bosses report that they have to turn down orders because they don't have the employees, it's worrying. We also need a new, positive narrative here," says Dr. Ralf Petri: "Although the German automotive industry has largely recovered financially from the diesel scandal, it has never completely got rid of the image stigma. Electromobility and sustainable transport solutions offer the opportunity to correct the perception of the industry. The role of technology should not be emphasized as an obstacle, but as a solution to environmental challenges."
About the VDE Mobility Study
For the second time, the VDE has surveyed opinion leaders from politics and the mobility sector. Two years ago on the drive portfolio of the future – how it can be designed in a balanced and ecological way and aligned with the needs of consumers. The new VDE study aims to identify and reflect current and future challenges, opportunities and trends - particularly in the context of the transition to electromobility, digitalization and the global competitive landscape.
