Your company is already operating in Germany and you would now like to export worldwide?

Shot of a Futuristic Self-Driving Van Moving on a Public Highway in a Modern City with Glass Skyscrapers. Beautiful Female and Senior Man are Having a Conversation in a Driverless Autonomous Vehicle. Automotive Industry and Electric Mobility made in Germany | © Gorodenkoff Productions OU - stock.adobe.com

Automotive Industry in Germany

The German automotive industry is playing a pivotal role in the global transition to electric mobility solutions.

Germany is recognized the world over for its outstanding automotive industry and excellence in engineering. From Asia to the Americas, German cars embody highly cherished values of innovation, reliability, safety, and design. Germany is by some distance Europe’s leading production and sales market. The country’s world-class R&D infrastructure, complete industry value chain integration, and highly qualified workforce create an internationally peerless automotive environment. It enables companies to develop cutting- edge technologies, which perfectly address tomorrow’s mobility needs. Interested in expanding your business to Germany?

Check out  our  automotive industry figures and find out why, more than 130 years after inventing the automobile, Germany, is heading for a new approach to shape transportation solutions for the future. Find out more down below about Germany’s Electric Automotive and Mobility Sector:

Tesla Reshapes Automotive Industry with German Gigafactory

Elon Musk was present in person to hand over the keys to customers who had preordered one of Tesla’s first German-made model Y vehicles, as the US automotive giant inaugurated its first European gigafactory in Brandenburg near Berlin.

Attending the ceremony on March 22, 2022 were German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck. Scholz underscored the importance of the project, which has injected jobs, money and a huge amount of future potential into an area of Germany not previously known for the automotive industry.

“Germany’s east is also leading the way in terms of industry. Electromobility will be the mobility of the future.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

“Danke Deutschland,” tweeted the iconic and iconoclastic Musk.

The gigafactory, which is located near the town of Grünheide, is Europe’s largest electric vehicle production facility and will employ as many as 12,000 people. It has already attracted German and international automotive suppliers to the region and represented at the time the biggest foreign direct investment in eastern Germany since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Tesla chose its new location for a variety of reasons: access to Europe’s largest economy, Germany’s skilled labor force, excellent regional infrastructure, the stability of the German legal and economic framework, and support from national and regional authorities.

Journalists and industry leaders and observers celebrated the opening as a major milestone and another example of the German automotive industry continuing to expand out from its tradition strongholds in the south, Saxony and Wolfsburg.

„The day is finally at hand – Tesla’s newest gigafactory is now officially open,” said Germany Trade & Invest automotive expert Stefan Di Bitonto. “It’s a fantastic moment for the Berlin-Brandenburg region and for Tesla customers.”

Video News: Automotive Industry and Electric Mobility in Germany

What's new in Germany’s Electric Automotive and Mobility Sector? Watch the news!

Why Battery Makers are Coming to Germany

Electric vehicles batteries used to be made primarily in Asia, but now suppliers are flocking to Germany to be near Europe’s largest automotive sector. Find out more:

Germany's Drive Toward Electric Vehicles

Germany now has more than one million electric and hybrid vehicles on the road, but it has set its sights far higher. Learn more about Germany’s automotive future:

Germany to Invest Record 86 Billion Euros in Rail Modernization

As part of Germany’s push to meet its climate protection goals, the country is investing billions of euros to make its rail system among the world’s most modern. More information:

The Future of Mobility "Made in Germany"

How we get around is an integral part of how we are – and where we’re headed. And mobility in Germany has entered a fascinating period of disruption, change and innovation. Here’s a run-though:


News: Automotive Industry and Electric Mobility in Germany

Germany's Automotive Industry is securing its position in the future electric mobility market. Find out more in our industry news.

E-Mobility News | June 2021

Germany has emerged as Europe’s electric mobility champion. There were 400,000 new electric car registrations in 2020, with subsidies and infrastructure rollout driving vehicle sales.

Germany European leader in electric mobility

Germany established itself as the European electric mobility leader in 2020, with new vehicle sales of 400,000 for the year. A comparison of new electric car registrations for May 2020 and May 2021 shows a 380 percent increase. Electric vehicles (EV) account for just under 12 percent of the total number of newly registered vehicles. Attractive vehicle purchase subsidies have helped drive sales, with pure electric vehicles posting a 20.5 percent increase even in the coronavirus-induced crisis month of May 2020 when the auto industry witnessed a slump of around 50 percent in vehicle registrations across all classes. Willingness to switch to electric vehicles is also increasing, with around one in three Germans prepared to buy an electric car according to a survey conducted by Civey. Germany’s efforts to scale up electric mobility were further bolstered by the recent passing of a law stipulating the inclusion of EV charging infrastructure and parking spaces in all new and refurbished buildings.

Germany readies for multi-billion euro battery market

Global demand for German and European technologies to service the electric battery sector will create a market worth up to EUR 60 billion by 2030, with annual sales volume of at least EUR 20 billion according technology consultancy Altran. According to the Fraunhofer Institute, battery factories with an annual production capacity of 500 to 600 gigawatt hours could be set up in Germany by 2030 – equivalent to almost one third of global production and enough to equip 10 million electric vehicles. Germany is already home to numerous companies and suppliers that are important providers in the value chain from cell chemistry and materials preparation through to final battery cell production.

Tesla to build battery factory in Brandenburg

Tesla has submitted formal application plans for the construction of a battery factory in Brandenburg. The electric vehicle manufacturer extended and submitted the new plans as part of its permit application for the construction of its car factory. Vehicle production is set to begin at the end of the year as part of the revised plans.

AI start-up solutions to extend battery life

A number of German start-ups specializing in battery analysis are attracting the interest of large suppliers and manufacturers who require third party electric battery-life solutions. Dresden-based company Novum Engineering is just one of several German start-ups specializing in battery analysis to extend battery life, with Twaice in Munich and Accure in Aachen also enticing companies from the automotive and energy sectors with the promise of precise battery charging and residual capacity data. A number of start-ups are now involved in test and pilot projects to simulate battery performance and charging processes.

Volkswagen plans bidirectional charging to feed into the grid

Volkswagen has announced plans to introduce bidirectional charging to its vehicles. As of 2022, all electric vehicles produced by the Volkswagen Group will be developed on the basis of the “Modular Electrification Toolkit” (MEB) that allows unused energy to flow back into the grid. Two bidirectional scenarios are emerging, the first being “vehicle to home” (where electric vehicles can store energy from a photovoltaic system, for example, and feed it back into the household energy supply) and “vehicle to grid” where all of the vehicles connected to a charging station can be linked to form a huge electricity storage system. Test vehicle development is already underway with the group entering the final preparation stages before rollout next year.

Varta keen to enter e-mobility battery market

Swabian battery manufacturer Varta is reportedly seeking to enter the electric mobility battery-cell market. To date, Varta has mainly produced small lithium-ion button cells for wireless headphones as well as household batteries for remote controls, watches, flashlights and other small devices. The company is currently setting up a pilot project for a large format 21700 battery cell primarily for use in high-performance electric vehicles at its Ellwangen headquarters. Industry insiders believe that the company is currently in talks with a number of car manufacturers.

Automotive Industry News | March 2021

Germany has become the world's second-biggest electric car market, with German OEMs already taking steps to secure their position in the future digital mobility market.

Germany overtakes USA to become world number two electric car market

Germany has overtaken the USA to become the world’s second-largest market for electric vehicles. Generous subsidies for electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles have led to a boom in Germany and Europe. New vehicle purchase premiums of up to EUR 9,000 have kick-started demand, allowing Germany to overtake the US as the world’s second-largest market for electric vehicles according to the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW).

China remains the largest market for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with 1.25 million new registrations in 2020, although demand is falling with the market growing by just three percent in the same period. However, global demand has increased by 38 percent, fueled by demand from Europe, led by Germany with a 264 percent increase (395,000 vehicles). The demand has given a fillip to domestic vehicle manufacturers, with VW recording 422,000 new electric car and plug-in registrations in 2020. The Wolfsburg-based car giant overtook Tesla for the first time in Q4/20, selling 192,00 electric cars (compared to Tesla’s 181,000 over the same period).

German auto manufacturers doubled their global production of electric and plug-in vehicles last year, producing more than a quarter of all electric passenger vehicles made worldwide.

German brands dominate the global auto industry

German auto brands continue to dominate the world’s most valuable auto brands despite the harsh effects of the coronavirus crisis on the auto industry. According to the Brand Finance Global 500 2021 ranking, the country’s auto industry dominates globally with a cumulative brand value of USD 201.8 billion.

Mercedes retains its position as Germany’s most valuable brand across all industry sectors, with VW, BMW, Porsche, and Audi all occupying spots in the global top 10 most valuable auto brands. German companies in the top 10 have a combined brand value of USD 197.2 billion – equivalent to 54.7 percent of the top 10 most valuable auto brands.

VW sees future in digital software services delivery

Having successfully made the move to electric vehicles, VW has announced ambitious plans to revolutionize its business model. According to Handelsblatt, the Wolfsburg-based concern is currently working on a “Business Model 2.0” strategy that will see its primary focus placed on software and services provision. The digital transformation presaged by VW is premised upon the future value of electric and autonomous vehicles being measured in terms of digital services. To that end, VW is examining the possibility of partnerships with start-ups like Isar Aerospace in order to develop solutions for car connectivity to the satellite internet.

Handelsblatt reports that, although the further course of action will be determined in the coming years, the project is already in progress within VW development departments. In March, VW presented its technology roadmap for battery and charging up to 2030, with ambitious plans for a number of charging cooperations, a new unit battery cell and six battery-cell factories across Europe.

Audi plans to build own fast-charging infrastructure

German carmaker Audi intends to build its own charging infrastructure of between 200 and 400 stations for electric vehicles. Speaking to Handelsblatt, Audi CEO Markus Duesmann argued the necessity for the plan, citing the fact that at least 30 percent of Audi cars sold in Europe will be electric in the next four years. “We don’t want sales of our vehicles to fall due to a lack of charging stations.”

The VW subsidiary has however come in for criticism from the German Federal Association for E-Mobility, which believes that Audi’s draft plan fails to conform to existing specialized laws and regulatory fundamentals as well the associated infrastructure for electric mobility. Germany’s transport ministry is investing almost two billion euros in extending the charging infrastructure along the national motorway network.

EU gives green light to Daimler Trucks and Volvo venture

Daimler Trucks and Volvo are set to join forces for the joint development of fuel-cell systems following EU competition regulator approval. The decision leaves the way open for the two companies to establish the new company focused on the research and development, production and sales of heavy truck fuel-cell systems. The venture will see Volvo acquire 50 percent of the company for around EUR 600 million, with the transaction set to be finalized in the first half of the year.

Publications: Germany's Automotive Industry and Future Mobility

Download our latest publications about the Automotive Industry and Future Mobility in Germany completely free of charge.

The Automotive Industry in Germany Industry Overview The Automotive Industry in Germany | © GTAI

The Automotive Industry in Germany

Germany is Europe’s number one automotive market in production and sales terms and the most innovative in international comparison.

Find out more and download our latest industry overview "The Automotive Industry in Germany" free of charge: 


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20210913_MockUp_FS_FutureMobility_1340x754 Fact Sheet Future Mobility in Germany | © GTAI

Future Mobility in Germany

Germany’s world-leading automotive industry is a driving force in the transformation to the smart and sustainable mobility of the future.

Find out more and download our latest fact sheet "Future Mobility in Germany" free of charge:


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Automotive Industry & Market Numbers

The automotive industry is the largest industry in Germany and the European leader. The sector’s proven record of accomplishment and commitment to new mobility technologies make it the world’s auto innovation hub.

  • The automotive industry is the largest industry sector in Germany. In 2021, the auto sector listed turnover of EUR 410.9 billion – around 20 percent of total German industry revenue.
  • Germany is Europe’s number one automotive market, accounting for around 25 percent of all passenger cars manufactured (3.1 million) and approximately 20 percent of all new car registrations (2.6 million).
  • One in every five cars worldwide carries a German brand.
  • Germany is home to 44 automobile assembly and engine production plants with a capacity of over one third of total automobile production in Europe.
  • In 2021, Germany‘s domestic internal automotive industry R&D expenditure rose to EUR 28.25 billion – equivalent to 35 percent of total R&D expenditure in Germany.
  • Fifteen of the world’s top 75 automotive suppliers are German companies.*
  • Almost  77 percent of cars produced in Germany in 2021 were ultimately destined for international markets – a new record.
  • More than 40 percent of patent registrations in Germany originate from the automotive industry.
  • Around 786.100 are employed in the industry as a whole in 2021.

Source: VDA und ACEA 2022
* Source: Crain Communications 2021

Business Opportunities in Germany

Germany’s automotive industry provides numerous business opportunities for international companies seeking to enter Europe’s biggest and most innovative automotive market.

International investors benefit from numerous competitive advantages when doing business in Germany. Germany’s favorable geographical location in the heart of Europe enables business without trade barriers, thanks to its integration in the European Union and the Eurozone. A stable single currency and close proximity to other major European markets consolidate the German automotive industry’s advantageous position.

“Germany has established itself as one of the most attractive investment destinations worldwide. It is the only western European country that plays a significant part in the so-called “global Champions League.“ Source: Ernst & Young Standort Deutschland 2013

Germany’s high concentration of auto-related R&D, design, supply, manufacturing and assembly facilities makes it possible for companies to successfully partner across the whole value chain. It also explains why recent studies see the German automotive industry outperforming other countries when it comes to innovative power, product quality and productivity.

Around 36% of all premium segment cars were produced in Germany in 2019. By becoming part of the world’s automotive innovation hub, investors have the opportunity to boost their businesses through innovating, producing, and marketing world-leading technologies and products “Made in Germany.”

Germany: World´s premium car production and innovation hub
Germany: World´s premium car production and innovation hub | © GTAI Research (2019); MarkLines database (2019)

Germany Welcomes Tesla Gigafactory to Berlin-Brandenburg Location

The gigafactory, which is located near the town of Grünheide, is Europe’s largest electric vehicle production facility and will employ as many as 12,000 people. It has already attracted German and international automotive suppliers to the region and represents the biggest foreign direct investment in eastern Germany since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Market Trends: Global Automotive Industry

Germany is showing the world the way forward to the autonomous, connected and green mobility models of the future. What's trending within the global automotive industry?

The German automotive industry is a substantial and integral part of the global automotive industry. Suppliers and OEMs in Germany are on top of the technological market transformation. Automotive engineers are hard at work improving internal combustion engine energy efficiency, developing alternative drive technologies (including electric, hybrid, and fuel cell cars), and adapting lightweight materials and electronics.

Tighter carbon emission reduction targets and the government’s electric mobility initiative (“National Electromobility Development Plan”) are major innovation drivers for future growth. As a result, demand for connected cars equipped with driver-assistance systems and information components will increase significantly - especially in the premium segment.

Smart technologies will revolutionize the driving experience further. Germany’s industry strength in electronic technologies and software solutions allied to its innovative business networks bolster technological development in one of Germany’s major fields of expertise.

Oliver Seiler Oliver Seiler | © GTAI

"7 out of 10 premium cars produced in Europe are manufactured in Germany – A number which impressively illustrates the country’s innovation power – particularly important for the premium segment."

Oliver Seiler, Director Mechanical & Electronic Technologies, Germany Trade & Invest

As well as technological transformation, the automotive industry is undergoing a continuous value shift from OEMs to suppliers. According to a study conducted by Oliver Wyman and the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA), OEM share of global R&D value creation will decline from 60% today to 47% in 2025 (Source: FAST 2025). Strategic alliances between OEMs and suppliers - as well as within the supplying industry - will grow in importance and offer significant growth potential. Be part of Germany’s automotive success story and locate your business in the world’s largest automotive innovation hub.

Car Ownership: Shifting Attitudes after Corona

The global coronavirus has dramatically changed mobility attitudes. Consumer demand for private vehicles is on the rise as mobility services and public transport fall out of favor.

Corona and changing mobility attitudes

The first automotive sector studies conducted since the start of the global corona pandemic show a fundamental turnaround in consumer mobility attitudes: Sharing offers are being avoided and the car is becoming even more popular – particularly in terms of individual ownership. An additional push to increase electric car ownership is part of the recently announced German stimulus package.

Interest in mobility services and public transport down

According to the Capgemini “COVID -19 and the automotive consumer” study, interest in car ownership amongst under 35-year-olds is on the rise for the first time in years. The findings are based on a sample of 11,000 consumers in 11 countries responsible for 62 percent of global annual passenger vehicle sales. 44 percent of younger consumers who have never previously owned a car are currently considering purchasing one in the coming months. Consumer demand for mobility services and public transport will also reduce significantly – now and in the future – according to the report.  

Modes of urban mobility changing 

Post-corona, we can expect that urban mobility will most likely be very different. Within a matter of weeks, the pandemic has changed something that car manufacturers have failed to do for years; namely altering the intended buying behavior of younger customers. For some time, the focus for 18- and 35- year-olds has been on mobility and service use and less about car ownership. Instead of driving their own car, young consumers preferred intermodal public transportation and other shared mobility options. The coronavirus crisis has revived interest in car ownership. This finding is reinforced by a second study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group. The group asked a sample of 5,000 individuals about their new mobility preferences. Not surprisingly, the car ranked at number one. 

Support for electric vehicles in Germany

In Germany, the government has announced plans to double the amount of purchase incentives already in place for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as part of its EUR 130 billion stimulus package intended to shore up the country’s post-coronavirus economy. This translates into a cash grant of EUR 6,000 for each BEV purchased. This is supplemented by an additional EUR 3,000 subsidy from car manufacturers. The measure apply for cars with a value of up to 40,000 Euros (excluding value-added tax).   

Additional investment in battery infrastructure

To further boost e-mobility, an additional EUR 2.5 billion will be allocated to existing infrastructure programs to build additional charging stations and support further battery cell production. Both changing consumer behavior and the generous grants available will create new opportunities for Germany’s strong automotive industry as well as attract new foreign investors to the sector. 

From Max Milbredt

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