E-Mobility – Opportunities and challenges for the German engineering industries

2011

The joint study by VDMA and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants shows that the expansion of electromobility presents new business opportunities for the industry, but also major challenges.

The German production systems industry will benefit strongly over the next few years from the expansion of electromobility. The introduction of vehicles with electrical powertrains demands areas of expertise in mechanical engineering that were once rarely required for automotive production. This is because cost-cutting production technologies are now in urgent demand. This will present attractive market opportunities to companies making machines and production systems. In terms of new production plants for electric batteries, the industry is looking at EUR 4.8 billion in potential business by 2020.

On the other hand, the industry will have to face some major challenges in developing new business models. Collaborations and alliances among the engineering firms will be essential in order to offer turnkey production systems from one supplier and to secure key competitive advantages. These are the core findings of a joint study by the VDMA and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants on "E-mobility – Opportunities and risks for Germany's production systems industry".