Mobility Transition Puts Swiss Suppliers Under Pressure
Prof. Anja Schulze highlights in a recent interview with Weltwoche the profound transformations taking place in the automotive industry. For nearly twenty years, she has been studying Swiss automotive suppliers and explains the current challenges they face: the transition to electric drivetrains, volatile markets, geopolitical tensions, and changing customer expectations are putting pressure on the industry.
According to Prof. Schulze, the transformation affects not only engine and transmission suppliers but also seemingly unrelated areas such as acoustic and thermal management. She also emphasizes that European manufacturers have focused too long on premium segments and neglected the mass market for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Chinese competitors are entering the market with innovative concepts like “dancing” cars.
Prof. Schulze points out that while the transition drives innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face major management and production challenges. Looking ahead, she highlights that the next major upheaval will involve not only drivetrain technologies but especially autonomous vehicles and new ownership models.
Supat Huynh