Özdemir warns: Baden-Württemberg's auto industry is on the verge of change!

Özdemir warns: Baden-Württemberg's auto industry is on the verge of change!

What is the situation with the automotive industry in Baden-Württemberg? This question concerned Cem Özdemir, the Green Party's top candidate for the state elections in spring 2024. He faced the challenge that the industry has recently been in crisis. “We have to regain technological leadership,” emphasized Özdemir. He sees the future primarily in digitalized cars with electric drives and points to the production facilities of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche in Untertürkheim, Zuffenhausen and Rastatt, which are facing significant declines in profits. Anyone who keeps an eye on industry trends knows that there is also tough competition internationally - especially from the USA and China. The conditions for our manufacturers are anything but fair if you look at the tariffs, explains Özdemir and calls for measures to support the automotive industry and its employees.

"We have an opportunity here to develop new future technologies such as robotics, innovative software and new batteries. Autonomous driving will also play a major role." The fact that local manufacturers have invested in order to survive the competition makes him optimistic. The course must now be set for sustainable development.

European Commission Action Plan

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) has welcomed the European Commission's action plan to strengthen the competitiveness of the automotive industry. This plan aims not only to promote international competitiveness, but also to secure European added value and employment. “The automotive industry is at the heart of our economy,” says the BMWK, pointing out how important massive investments are for green and digital transformation. According to the ministry, particular challenges lie in the ability to innovate with regard to digitalization, software and autonomous driving, as well as in the development of resilient value creation in the areas of battery cell production.

European industry must now develop appropriate strategies to remain competitive. The discussion as part of the “Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry” has shown that there is an urgent need for action in various key areas such as clean mobility, regional production of electromobility components and improving the competitive environment. In addition to the technology, the qualification and affordability of climate-friendly mobility must also be guaranteed. The BMWK will continue to work on these proposals and maintain close cooperation with the European Commission.

Change as a challenge and an opportunity

The automotive industry is currently undergoing the greatest change in its history. A majority of traditional manufacturers are having difficulty switching to electric mobility, while new technology companies such as Tesla and Chinese companies such as BYD have mastered this process better. A scientific study aims to identify the reasons why European manufacturers are lagging behind and to develop recommendations for action. It has become clear that no single approach can comprehend change; Rather, it requires an interaction between a wide variety of concepts from strategic management and innovation theory.

The challenge is immediate: Manufacturers have to react flexibly to many influencing factors in order to maintain their market position. Continuous adjustments to business models and production processes are necessary so that traditional manufacturers do not lose out in the race for the future. Change also offers opportunities if the right steps are taken to actively shape automotive progress.

In view of these developments, it is crucial that all players in industry, politics and science work together to set the course for the future. Only together can the path to electromobility be successfully taken - for a sustainable and competitive automotive industry in Europe.