Martin Hendricks

🚗 The Pressure Mounts on Volkswagen: Implications for Germany's Economy Volkswagen, one of Germany’s iconic automakers, is facing significant challenges as its CEO calls for "urgent measures" to secure the company's future. This comes as the automotive giant navigates slowing demand, fierce competition—especially from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers—and the costly transition to EVs. The urgency of this message underlines the immense pressure on traditional automakers to adapt or risk falling behind. Volkswagen’s struggles are not just a corporate issue; they resonate deeply with Germany’s economy. The automotive sector is a cornerstone of the country’s economic stability, employing millions and driving exports. A downturn in this sector could ripple across supply chains, impact employment, and slow economic growth. As the EV revolution accelerates, the global automotive landscape is shifting dramatically. For Germany, ensuring its automakers remain competitive will be critical—not only for the industry but for the broader economy. How should legacy companies respond to these pressures while balancing innovation and cost-efficiency? #Volkswagen #AutomotiveIndustry #EVRevolution #GermanyEconomy #Sustainability #SupplyChain Read the WSJ article: https://lnkd.in/gptrfGqx

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION GAINING MOMENTUM: 10-YEAR OUTLOOK FOR ELECTRIC TRUCKS. As the IAA TRANSPORTATION truck show kicks off in Hannover/Germany, consultancy McKinsey & Company has released a new article with projections about electric (BEV & FCEV) & diesel trucks for the next 10 years, with focus on North America and on Europe. TCO considerations and obstacles to an accelerated deployment are also extensively reviewed. #ev #evs #bev #bevs #fcev #fcevs #fuelcell #hydrogenfuelcell #electricvehicle #electricvehicles #electricmobility #emobility #greenmobility #sustainablemobility #urbanmobility #smartmobility #futuremobility #newmobility #mobility #automotive #automotiveengineering #automotivetechnology #automotiveindustry #commercialvehicle #commercialvehicles #truck #trucks #electrictrucks #fleet #fleets #charginginfrastructure #hydrogenfillingstations #totalcostofownership #tco #innovation #technology #emissions #emissionscontrol #emissionsreduction #zeroemissions #zev #decarbonization #outlook #2024outlook #usa #unitedstates #america #europe #eurozone #europeanunion

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Patrick Fruth, CEO Division Mobility at TÜV SÜD, participated this week in the panel discussion “The Global Transformation of the Automotive Industry“ at the #GSS2024 of the Global Solutions Initiative in Berlin. He discussed with Dr. Karoline Kampermann (Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) e.V.), Shuva Raha (Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)) and Leonis K. Petschmann (Vindelici Advisors) the role of policy related certification and testing of vehicles by independent third parties against the background of the increasing electrification of vehicles and their important contribution to decarbonization. Here are some insights: • It is important to increase consumer confidence in the technology in order to achieve a rapid increase in the share of e-vehicles (EVs). A key to this is the safe operation of battery electric vehicles throughout the entire lifecycle of the battery. • Therefore, the battery as central element of EVs, should be included in the regular inspection as part of the periodic technical inspection in order to enable safe use over many years and to maximize the contribution to CO2 reduction. Standardized or legally required regular inspections by independent third parties shall create the necessary trust. • Another important building block in the transition to sustainable mobility is digitalization. It enables the monitoring of the real consumption of EVs and thus their real contribution to CO2 reduction. • Furthermore, the new EU Battery regulation requires a digital battery passport containing the essential material and performance data. Such a battery passport becomes a CV through a periodic examination, as the condition of the battery is regularly checked and stored. It can be accessed via a QR code. • Legal principles and requirements are also important, such as quality controls during production, the establishment of safety standards for production and use, regular inspections, effective recycling and disposal systems to minimize environmental and health risks, as well as continuous research and development for improved technologies and more environmentally friendly alternatives. #TÜVSÜD #Mobility #EVs #electricvehicles #PTI #CO2Reduction #EUBatteryRegulation

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🚗🔧 Continental revs up for change! The Executive Board plans to spin off its Automotive group sector by the end of 2025, creating greater independence for its Tires and ContiTech sectors. CEO Nikolai Setzer emphasizes a leaner, focused structure, transferring group-level functions closer to markets and customers. This strategic move aims to boost flexibility, market responsiveness, and shareholder value. 🌍📈 With continuous performance improvements in Automotive, Continental is positioning itself for long-term success in a dynamic industry. What are your thoughts on this bold shift? 🔗 Learn More: https://lnkd.in/e5yTwpu3 #Automotive #Innovation #Strategy #Mobility #Continental #FutureReady 🚘✨

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From April 17 to 19, Kiekert CEO Jerome Debreu attended the annual congress of the AKJ Automotive Germany initiative on ‘Best Practices in der Supply Chain Automotive’ in Saarbrücken. Over 300 key personalities of the political, corporate and other major spheres of society followed the open, interesting and well-organized program of this unique event.    Mr Debreu took part in a panel discussion addressing the theme titled “Wirtschaftswunder: the hut is on fire !” ('Die Hütte brennt') and called for urgent changes in German and European industrial policies.    In this exchange with Prof. Dr. Klaus-J. Schmidt, Felix Kuhnert (PWC), Dr. Albrecht Köhler (Schaltbau Holding), Dirk Dreher (BMW) and Dr. Marcus Ewig (Rhenus Automotive), he reminded the audience that the automotive industry in Europe is suffering significantly, whereas in other parts of the world (United States and China), the industry was heavily supported and protected.    Only in Europe is it burdened with bureaucracy and political shortsightedness. Governments must establish reliable and stable long-term frameworks based on proven facts. Wishful thinking and generous ideals unfortunately play into the hands of competitors who act differently, do not apply the same market rules and discipline, and promote technologies that will at best represent a small proportion of the automotive market. Meanwhile, a long-standing European-wide economic pillar is being threatened and eroded. Bankruptcies of suppliers are increasing. So are transfers of activity and industrial locations out of Germany and Europe   Kiekert continues to prove that despite current adverse conditions that German manufacturing and engineering expertise is still a leading force in the automotive market and that duly selected operations in Germany can be profitable. Success has been and will be achieved through the development of innovation and intellectual property. Kiekert is thus committed to its headquarters in Heiligenhaus, where two production lines have been relocated. By 2030, a new headquarter site and an expanded production facility are to be built in Heiligenhaus. More on TV, take a look yourselves.

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𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 The German automotive industry faces enormous challenges. Technological advancements, the rapid development of electric mobility, and global supply chain issues are putting companies under pressure. An example of these difficulties is VW's software subsidiary, CARIAD, which has yet to demonstrate a successful track record. The strategic partnership between Volkswagen and Rivian seems like a desperate move but is likely the only way forward. Unlike CARIAD, which involves integrating a new subsidiary into the corporate structure, working with an independent partner fosters genuine innovation, free from internal dependencies and hierarchies. This approach is also pursued by sensified in its development partnerships, offering comprehensive solutions to meet these demands and bridge the development gap. 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 Traditional development processes are often too slow. sensified helps companies adapt quickly to market changes through agile strategy development and business creation. For example, Tiger Teams act as a task force to steer critical projects and ensure their success. Additionally, sensified aids in the exploration of new business fields, developing innovative products and services that meet current market demands. This is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a dynamic environment. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 - Experience and Expertise: Extensive experience in the automotive industry. - Innovative Technological Solutions: Focus on cutting-edge technologies. - Agile Approach: Rapid adaptation to market changes. - Extensive Network: Access to a broad network of industry experts and resources. - Commitment to Quality and Compliance: Adherence to the highest industry standards. What do you think about the role of independent partners in advancing the automotive industry? What additional measures do you consider necessary to boost competitiveness? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Learn more about development alliances at https://lnkd.in/dv5BqJMW #sensified #AutomotivePartnerships #TechnologicalTransformation #DevelopmentAlliance

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Today we are sharing a post from a representative of VanKing Celkar Group P.S.A., the company that owns our brand. Piotr Kuna participated in an important automotive conference organized by Gesamtverband Autoteile-Handel e.V. this week. Read his brief summary of this remarkable event. 📝 #automotive #automotiveindustry #LCV #spareparts #car #aftermarket #event #conference

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Day 3 #MBS24 #CARMBS Automotive Market Outlook: Unveiling Trends Shaping the Industry's Future, Wednesday, August 7, 2024 “Europe is a little bit ahead of us … consider every state as a country (here),” says Elizabeth Krear from J.D. Power, when trying to understand the U.S. market for interest in electric vehicles, adding that “availability is increasing.” Note also these counter-intuitive insights from Elizabeth into the top three factors driving affordability (in order of importance): 1. OEM incentives 2. Federal incentives 3. Shift in trim mix

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AUTOHAUS - one of the leading automotive publishing houses in Germany - and the market research company puls publish the “AUTOHAUS BankenMonitor” annually in the last 17 years. For this purpose, over 1.000 car dealers have been interviewed about their satisfaction working with captives and non-captives in the last weeks again. Wednesday evening the closing event for 2024 took place at the Drivers Club Munich, moderated by the Autohaus publishing director Ralph M. Meunzel (picture, left) and Dr. Konrad Wessner, CEO puls Marktforschung. For me, also from a CX, sales and marketing perspective, it was a very interesting evening to listen, discuss and compare developments and current general market requirements around Germany's new car market. Especially, as captive finance / leasing is still playing a major role in our new car business and affects the complete business today and tomorrow. PS:1 Congratulations to all winners and involved teams. PS:2 Thanks to Stefan Eling from our VCFS Joint Venture Partner Santander and the colleagues on-site for a content-rich and inspiring meeting PS:3 The complete Volvo and VCFS team is proud to see the best satisfaction score overall for our current VCFS commercial-leasing offer in Germany. Ranked on position 1 within 26 leasing-providers overall. Thanks for this motivational scoring from our Volvo retailers in Germany 🇩🇪👏🏽 #newcarmarket #autohaus #competition #BankenMonitor #Germany #leasing #schwedenleasing #volvocars #vcfs #volvocarfinancialservices

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🔎FOCUS ON🔎: Augustin Friedel 🚲 🛴 🛵 🚘 🌟 In today's #FocusOn, we highlight Augustin Friedel 🚲 🛴 🛵 🚘, a dynamic and passionate leader in transforming mobility and automotive ecosystems. 🎓 Augustin, with a background in Mechanical Engineering, has been shaping the future of mobility and transportation since 2012. 💥 His career in the automotive industry took off with the launch of Uber in Germany in 2013, marking the start of his significant influence in the mobility sector. 👀 Following this, he worked for companies like Blacklane, ioki, and Volkswagen Group where he gained extensive experience in shared mobility #startups, transportation services, and the automotive industry. 💼 Currently, Augustin works in MHP – A Porsche Company, as a Senior Manager for Mobility Transformation. He consults on projects with leading companies, cities of all sizes, startups, and freelancers to accelerate the transformation of the urban mobility landscape and beyond. He aims to make cities and urban areas more liveable, provide more choices to users and citizens, and tackle the technological challenges of our time. 📣 In his daily life, Augustin shares his thoughts on trends and developments in various areas of transportation and mobility. From autonomous driving to the impact of shared #micromobility services in cities, his insights are a constant source of knowledge and inspiration on LinkedIn. His passion for tracking trends and potentials within the ever-evolving mobility ecosystems is evident in every one of his posts. 🦾 Augustin is well-known for supporting micromobility operators, cities, technology providers, and other industry stakeholders in successfully navigating the shift toward a more sustainable framework. He has experienced all the ups and downs of shared mobility startups globally and has worked on projects with public transportation companies, gaining a deep understanding of the environments and decision-making processes in large corporates. 💡 If you want to connect with him, you can find him speaking or participating in mobility events and conferences across Europe, listening to the podcasts he has been invited to, or simply reaching out to him on #LinkedIn. 🤩 Augustin Friedel is a key figure in the evolution of mobility, and we are excited to see how he continues to contribute to the future of this sector. 🚀 Keep pushing forward, Augustin, and continue leading the transformation of mobility towards a more sustainable and accessible future for all! #Mobility #Innovation #Sustainability #AugustinFriedel #AutomotiveIndustry #Vehicles #MobilityNews #SharedMobility #automotive #cars #SmartCities

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"Germany, Europe’s largest automotive market, has seen a significant 32% drop in BEV registrations, with only 241,911 units sold this year compared to 355,575 in the same period last year." "The decline is largely attributed to the phasing out of the environmental bonus for commercial buyers and the impending end of consumer subsidies in 2024. The rush to capitalize on these incentives in 2023 led to inflated sales, followed by a sharp drop-off this year." "In contrast, the United Kingdom has emerged as a strong contender, posting a 10.5% increase in EV registrations, bringing the total to 213,544." "France is also showing steady growth, with an 8.1% increase in BEV registrations, now totaling 188,575 vehicles." "As we know, in Belgium, an extraordinary 41.3% increase in EV registrations was registered due to the company car policy, rising to 84,137 units [...] Sweden, impacted by a change in subsidy policies, saw a 21% decline in sales, dropping to 54,304 BEVs this year." "Denmark posted the highest growth among the top 10 countries, with a 50.8% increase in EV sales, registering 51,945 new electric cars compared to 34,440 last year." "Other countries like Italy and Spain have shown mixed results, with Italy seeing a 12.3% decline to 35,785 BEVs and Spain experiencing a modest 2.5% increase to 31,665 units. Norway [...] saw a decline of 3.2%." "Encouraging leap in EV sales by 2025 as automakers will likely ramp up their efforts to meet CO2 fleet targets." Yes, this year will be bad. But, next year will likely be a lot better. And hopefully the BEV recession in Germany will be over for good, then. #ev #electric #electrification #electricvehicle #electricvehicles #evcharging #charging #chargingstations #renewableenergy #energy #economics #solar #photovoltaics #pv #wind #climatecrisis https://lnkd.in/dreWkDVG

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Smart solution for the challenges of the automotive industry 🚗 The recently published half-year figures and associated reports show very clearly that the largest and most important industry for the German economy is under considerable pressure. The challenges facing car manufacturers and their suppliers are enormous: supply bottlenecks, cost pressure and the need to make the supply chain more efficient. The shortage of semiconductors and other electronic components in particular poses major problems for manufacturers and suppliers. In this tense situation, companies are looking for reliable partners who can offer not only security of supply but also financial benefits. 🔴 Solution: The tak model from btv technologies With the tak model, btv technologies offers a comprehensive solution that is precisely tailored to the needs of the automotive industry. The model combines component logistics as a service with value-added services and long-term storage to ensure maximum efficiency and security of supply. 💰 Cost efficiency and transparency The tak model only charges for the services actually provided, which avoids hidden costs and enables precise control of expenditure. A dedicated calculation tool helps customers to evaluate the costs incurred in advance, ensuring maximum transparency. 💯 Security of supply and flexibility btv technologies guarantees contractually assured availability of electronic components 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. This applies worldwide for all production sites of customers and their suppliers. Long-term storage protects against line downs by keeping discontinued goods in stock, which avoids the cost-intensive process of design reviews. 🧠 Intelligent replenishment algorithm A unique replenishment algorithm optimizes inventory management and minimizes the risk of shortages. This maximizes supply chain efficiency and saves both costs and time. Results and benefits 📌 100% security of supply: btv technologies' customers benefit from end-to-end security of supply, preventing line downs and keeping production stable. 📌 Financial savings: By avoiding trade margins and hidden costs, companies can significantly reduce their expenses. 📌 Strategic partnership: The close cooperation with btv technologies enables customers to react flexibly to market changes and organize their supply chain efficiently. ❗ Conclusion At a time when the automotive industry is facing significant challenges, btv technologies' tak model offers a customized solution that not only provides financial benefits but also ensures reliable security of supply. This strategic partnership enables automotive manufacturers and their suppliers to increase their competitiveness and successfully meet the challenges of the future. Contact btv technologies to learn more about the tak model and its benefits for your business. #SupplyChainExcellence #btvTechnologies #takModel #AutomotiveSolutions #VDA Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) e.V. Handelsblatt

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VW‘s COO Antlitz claimed better quality - and here‘s proof: China JD Power shows VW SAIC much better than average and in good neighborhood: Honda, Toyota, Geely, Buick. #mobility #chinabusiness #electricvehicles Volkswagen SAIC VOLKSWAGEN GEELY Buick Toyota Motor Corporation American Honda Motor Company, Inc. Arno Antlitz J.D.Power China J.D. Power Btw. Buick‘s MPV is omnipresent in China‘s metropoles.

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𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲-𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐗𝐩𝐲𝐥𝐨𝐧! 📈🔍 Major German Supplier WKW Automotive Files for Bankruptcy Amid Industry Crisis WKW Automotive, a leading supplier of car components in Germany, has officially declared bankruptcy, marking a significant blow to the country's already struggling automotive sector. The company, known for supplying decorative trims and spare parts to renowned automakers like Volkswagen, Mercedes, and BMW, employs 3,800 workers at its production facilities in Felbert and Wuppertal. ⚙️🚙 Despite restructuring efforts and support from financial institutions, customers, and even the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia, WKW was unable to pull itself out of a long-standing financial slump. 📉 In 2022, the company had already warned of potential insolvency, but the restructuring proved too slow to meet the challenges posed by Germany’s broader automotive crisis. The industry as a whole has been grappling with overcapacity and stiff competition from Chinese brands, which have outpaced European manufacturers in both efficiency and innovation. 🌍 The situation has worsened in recent months, with Volkswagen AG announcing potential staff reductions of up to 15,000 employees, and other suppliers like Walter Klein GmbH & Co. KG and Erwin Lutz following suit with closures and bankruptcy filings. 🏭 This crisis highlights deep-rooted issues in the German automotive industry, once a global leader, now struggling to retain its competitive edge. Despite state regulation and partial government ownership of companies like Volkswagen, efforts to stabilize the sector seem to be falling short. ⚡ The future of thousands of workers and Germany’s position in the global automotive market remains uncertain as the industry continues to reel from these setbacks. Stay updated with the latest insights by visiting xpylon.com. https://lnkd.in/dT3G3jYd #Automotive #Transportation #GemanAutomotive #WKWAutomotive

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Volkswagen is facing a pivotal moment under CEO Oliver Blume as it grapples with the impact of shifting to electric vehicles and the economic fallout from COVID-19. Key issues include potential plant closures in Germany and a strained relationship with workers, highlighted by recent protests and a re-evaluation of long-standing job protections. With CFO Arno Antlitz warning of unsustainable financial practices and a significant drop in car sales, the company’s next moves could reshape its future and influence the broader auto industry. #Volkswagen #AutoIndustry #ElectricVehicles #IndustryChallenges #BusinessStrategy #LinkedInInsights https://bit.ly/3XBM8Ag

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Stellantis NV CEO Carlos Tavares' message to dealers and suppliers struggling for profitability on the bumpy road to increasing adoption of electric vehicles is: "Deal with it." "You insert an additional cost of 40% in a system, which is very constrained, obviously it creates a lot of tension, and obviously it creates anxiety," he said. "We are all facing the same reality. And my people, they also have anxiety, but we are dealing with it. We are dealing with it, and everybody needs to take a fair share and deal with it." https://lnkd.in/gyRVev2P

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