Europe’s automotive industry is at a crossroads. At Automotive Day 2026 in Stuttgart, Porsche Consulting brought together decision-makers from across the automotive value chain to discuss how Europe’s automotive industry can strengthen its competitiveness in a changing global landscape.
Dr. Michael Leiters, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, and Eberhard Weiblen, CEO of Porsche Consulting, opened the event by sharing their perspectives on how to address the current challenges. Geopolitical shifts and changing market dynamics are creating new conditions for companies across the sector. At the same time, competitive pressure from China is increasing, while supply chain challenges and regulatory headwinds are adding further complexity. Carsten Kahrs, Senior Partner at Porsche Consulting, set the tone for an optimistic yet challenging future, addressing the question of how European automotive players can respond to these changes and strengthen their competitiveness for the future.
Imelda Labbé, President of the VDIK, highlighted that growth is back, but it is not as easily accessible to Europe as it was before. Karsten Schnake, Member of the Management Board of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, highlighted Volkswagen’s leading role in the upcoming transformation. Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, CEO of Forvia Hella, focused on how European suppliers can remain competitive globally, while Johann Jungwirth, Executive Vice President Autonomous Vehicles at Mobileye, examined Europe’s role in ADAS and AV software.
The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring Sonja Fritze, Vice President Resource Transformation at Robert Bosch; Michael Hengstmann, Managing Partner at Executive Interims Partners; and Maxim Hantsch-Kramskoj, President Strategy & Business Development at Schaeffler, on “Shrink or Shift: The Future of Europe’s Automotive Footprint.” The discussion highlighted different perspectives on how companies can shape structural change, strengthen competitiveness, and identify new ventures to broaden their business.
Across the discussions, one message stood out: technology alone will not be enough. Europe’s future competitiveness will require faster execution, greater cost discipline, stronger collaboration, and continuous transformation across the automotive ecosystem.