Automotive InSIGHTS No. 1 (2005) - Automotive Competence Center customer magazine

Hybrid engines in the fast lane – Unleashing the power of brands – A view of the markets in the US, China and Japan

Developing, producing, selling and servicing automotive vehicles was a challenge from the very beginning 100 years ago and it continues to be challenging. Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers have to meet ever-more demanding customer
requirements, legislative and environmental standards, cope with raw material shortages, and successfully perform in a broad set of countries and cultures.

Outstanding performance in the past is worth little beyond the financial buffer it generates. Every day, every year, the jury – customers – are out to choose the winners again. And these may differ from last years' winners. To succeed in this complex and challenging battle, information is critical.Working
for leading automotive players in all regions of the world, the Automotive Competence Center of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants has a wealth of information at its disposal. Insights on the latest trends help us provide valuable
solutions to our clients' key challenges. Aiming to serve our customers even better in the future, we decided to publish some of our knowledge in a new periodical called "Roland Berger Automotive Insights". It will be distributed by mail to all
decision makers, experts and friends of the extended Roland Berger automotive family.

In this first issue we highlight and comment on the latest trends in hybrid vehicles. Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO and Member of the Executive Board at Continental Aktiengesellschaft, shares his thoughts on the success of hybrid vehicles from a supplier's perspective. You will also find some ideas about how to improve the positioning of brands as well as updates on the latest trends in the US, Japan and China.