Automotive Cluster - the network for Bavarian car manufacturers and automotive suppliers
The future. Together. Shaping.
The automotive industry is Germany's most important economic sector. This is particularly true for Bavaria, where it employs around 500,000 people and also provides important impetus for other sectors with its innovative strength. Under the motto "Together. Moving more", the Bavarian Automotive Cluster supports all players in the automotive industry in implementing new trends in cooperation projects.
The automotive industry is a highly dynamic sector. Changes in global markets, social developments, political guidelines and new technologies are leading to ever shorter innovation cycles for technologies, vehicles and mobility offerings. Anyone who wants to be successful in the automotive industry in the long term must therefore constantly question their products and business models - and reposition their expertise in the context of emerging trends. The Automotive Cluster supports companies in mastering these challenges with its large network and comprehensive range of services.
Our goal
The Automotive Cluster sustainably strengthens the international competitiveness of Bavarian vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Together with you, we identify new trends at an early stage and support you in translating these trends into new products and business models in cooperation with suitable partner organizations. True to the motto: "Together. Move more".
Your advantages
- Transparency of competencies in business and science with relevance for the automobile
- Added value through cooperation between companies and scientific institutes
- Market-relevant joint projects between Bavarian companies and institutes in the prioritized subject areas
- Cross-industry exchange of information and experience
- Interdisciplinary networking
Our offer
The services offered by the Automotive Cluster include cluster meetings at companies and research institutes, the conception and organization of large congresses, the moderation of working groups and workshops as well as the management of joint projects. In addition, the cluster supports its stakeholders in accessing funding programs at state, federal and EU level and actively participates in these projects as a partner.
The network of the Automotive Cluster comprises more than 700 companies and institutes from the automotive sector and all areas relevant to the automotive industry. In addition, the Automotive Cluster contributes to many activities of its sponsor, the Bayern Innovativ network organization, as a driving force. In many projects, the cluster works closely with chambers, economic offices, regional clusters and multipliers.
The Automotive cluster focuses on the innovation fields of powertrain, interior, electrics/electronics, driver assistance systems and cross-sectional topics, as illustrated in the following graphic.
- Electric drives
- Internal combustion engines
- Hybrid drive systems
- Powertrain management
Further information:
Scale-up E-Drive Hub
Podcast series Scale-up E-drive
- Infotainment systems
- Climate and heating control
- Wellbeing, ergonomics and interior design
- Lighting systems
Further information:
InSum Interior Hub
Interior in the automobile x InSuM 2026
Interior in the automobile x InSuM
Image video
Interview: Prototype for well-founded design decisions
- Wiring system technologies
- Control electronics
- Sensors and actuators
- Energy and battery management
Further information:
Transformation hub wiring harness
Working group and guide ASIL metrics in the vehicle electrical system
Cooperation forum on vehicle electrical systems 2026
Cooperation forum on vehicle electrical systems 2025
- Architecture: Central vehicle architecture with modular software platforms and OTA lifecycle management
- Software security & compliance: standards-compliant validation of OTA updates and SDV software architectures
- AI-supported validation and virtual validation of driving functions as well as test automation
- Business models
Further information:
Impulse webinar - Mobility in transition: focus on trend topics in the automotive industry
Symposium on autonomous and connected driving in Bavaria
Mission Detroit
Thomas Schindler,
Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Energie und Technologie,
Technische Universität München,
Markus Lienkamp,
Roland Ehniß,
Schaeffler,
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Discover the diversity of clusters and their partner networks in Bavaria!
Would you like to know which technologies, sectors and networks are driving the Bavarian economy forward? Then it's worth taking a look at the clusters page of the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. There you will find all clusters, partner networks and key players at a glance - clearly arranged, up-to-date and directly linked.
Fancy more exchange and exciting discussions? Then take a look at our cluster community on LinkedIn!
Strong in Bavaria's clusters - #EfficientNetworked