The East German automotive industry is going through a phase of profound upheaval and is relying on joint action to remain internationally competitive. "Geopolitical tensions and volatile supply chains, but also increasing competitive pressure, primarily from Asia, and ongoing technological change are presenting our industry with major challenges," said Petra Peterhänsel, Chairwoman of the Board of the Automotive Cluster East Germany (ACOD) association, at the annual congress in Leipzig, which was attended by around 200 guests from politics, business and science on Tuesday.
"Unpredictability has always been a feature of the automotive industry and is the norm in today's business environment. The decisive factor is how you deal with it. There is no time to stand still," emphasized Peterhänsel. We are no longer at the beginning of a new era, but right in the middle of it. It is therefore clear to her: "Collaboration, interdisciplinary networking and a new dynamic are the keys to surviving in this environment." The industry must actively shape the transformation: "We are not leaving the change to chance and certainly not to the new competitors."
