Overall transfer concepts as the key to the transformation of the German automotive industry

Electrification and digitalization are key drivers for the transformation of the automotive industry

Electrification and digitalization have a significant influence on how vehicles and their components will be developed and built in the future, what value creation will result from this and what skills specialists will need. The technological lead in the field of combustion engine powertrains was and is one of the foundations for the German automotive industry's globally significant market position.

Many SMEs that previously specialized in conventional drive technology are facing the challenge of having to rethink quickly. This requires the development of new production processes in order to be able to react flexibly.

Electrification also has an impact on the wiring harness value chain. "This is no longer just a series part! It's not for nothing that we talk about the so-called customer-specific cable harness (KSK)," explains the cluster manager. Increasing data rates and functional safety requirements in particular are proving to be key challenges. These are essential prerequisites for autonomous driving at levels 4 and 5. At the same time, the highest quality standards and audit-proof traceability must be guaranteed in all process steps. "The integration of new materials and the associated reduction of the CO2 footprint are also key challenges for wire harnesses," explains the cluster spokesperson and Managing Director of SCHERDEL INNOTEC.

Sustainability is an indispensable component for the industry

Sustainability is no longer a vision of the future for the industry, but an indispensable component. At the same time, the vehicle interior has come to the fore as a new field of design. "Drivers such as electrification, sustainability, connected cars, autonomous driving and shared mobility are redefining the vehicle interior," says Holger Czuday.

The interior stands for a fundamental change in the interiors of vehicles of all kinds: the automobile is increasingly developing into a living space for all occupants

Among other things, electromobility creates more installation space, giving designers more freedom in design. The increasing connectivity of cars is also leading to a considerable increase in electronic components in the interior. Particularly in view of the possibility of highly automated driving, the driver-centric focus is diminishing and infotainment is moving to the fore. The trend towards shared mobility is enabling more intensive use of vehicles, which brings with it both new customization options and higher material requirements. "Sustainability is the key requirement for vehicle interiors," emphasizes Regnet.

The past few months have been decisive for the German automotive industry: old structures have been broken up and new technologies have been established. "We have taken important steps, but there is still a long way to go," the cluster spokesperson and cluster head agree. The decisive factor now is to consistently continue the transformation course we have embarked on.

Comprehensive transfer concepts play a key role in this