Current challenges for the German automotive industry and their implications for medium-sized transport companies

Abstract

This paper analyzes current events and their impact on the German automotive industry and the related automotive logistics. It is shown that circumstances and events on various levels, such as social, technical and economic, have an impact on this fragile structure. The structure can be described as fragile because it is a highly optimized process of manufacturing, storage and transport, which is clocked like clockwork and correlates with each other like gear wheels. The evaluation includes, for example, the advancing globalization, political events such as Brexit1 or the diesel emissions scandal, the trade war between the USA and China, the development of the Turkish economy, the advancing technological development or the changing significance of environmental issues. A focus lies on the change of customer wishes when buying a car. At the same time, the entire industry suffers from considerable cost pressure. The work will also present the impact of these changes at all levels of the supply chain. This is reflected in political regulations such as driving bans or a complete change to electric mobility. This Chapter is followed by an evaluation of the current annual and interim reports, using the example of the car manufacturers Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW. It will become apparent that the companies in question are aware of the risks and even consider them in their own analysis. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the opportunities and risks facing medium-sized transport companies that transport parts for and to the big automotive suppliers and manufactures. Finally, an analysis will be made as to whether it is advisable to invest in new trucks and trailers, and if so, in which ones. To underscore this question, it is essential to look at trends, developments and possible future scenarios. One focus is on the development of the automotive industry and the consequences for the companies in question.