IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club

In the fourteenth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, our host Sarah Harman welcomes a very special guest: Simon Schütz, Head of Communications, Events, and Marketing at the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Schütz shares exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, discusses the role of political signals, the importance of international exhibitors, and the growing significance of technology partnerships.He explains why the new trade fair concept combining the Summit and Open Space has proven so successful, why experiencing mobility firsthand is so important for reaching broad audiences — and what moved him most on a personal level.

In the thirteenth episode of the IAA MOBILITY VISIONARY CLUB, host Sarah Harman welcomes Markus Papke, Chief Innovation Officer at Riese & Müller. With a visionary outlook, Papke paints a picture of an urban future where e-bikes are not just a means of transportation, but the centerpiece of sustainable, livable cities. He discusses the “Smart Shift” toward cleaner, more connected, and safer mobility, shares inspiring examples from major cities around the world, and explains why e-bikes are a true lifestyle choice—one that has the power to fundamentally change our daily lives and the way we move. Discover how innovative technologies—from AI-powered maintenance to V2X communication—are transforming comfort and safety, the role of circular economy principles and sustainable design, and why bold infrastructure decisions made today can be the game-changer for the mobility of tomorrow.

In the twelfth episode of the IAA MOBILITY VISIONARY CLUB, our host Sarah Harman sits down with Peter Bosch, CEO of Cariad – the Volkswagen Group's automotive software company. With remarkable clarity, Bosch discusses the radical transformation of the automotive industry, Cariad’s strategic realignment, and the company’s journey from crisis mode to tech leadership. He shares his personal motivation for driving deep organizational change, explains why software has become the beating heart of modern vehicles, and how the Group has managed to engineer a true turnaround. Discover why in-house development has become a key strategic priority, how partnerships with Rivian, Horizon Robotics, and XPeng are unlocking new paths to innovation – and why China, of all places, is emerging as a training ground for European tech players.

In episode eleven, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Christian Reitmeyer, CEO and owner of redi-Group GmbH. In a candid and compelling conversation, Reitmeyer opens up about navigating crises, how failure became a turning point, and why resilience has become the most essential leadership trait of our time. He shares his personal journey — from near-collapse to a successful restructuring of his company — and explains why radical transparency, trust, and decentralized responsibility are the true drivers of long-term success. Discover how a crisis can spark innovation, what modern leadership looks like in today’s global automotive industry, and why a sincere “no” can be the starting point of a real partnership.

In the 10th episode, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Dr. Karen Langona, Partner Sales Global Director, Automotive and Manufacturing at Amazon Web Services (AWS).With an impressive background in both academia and industry, Karen brings extensive experience from her time as a professor specializing in computer science and research in high-speed networks and edge computing at the USP - Universidade de São Paulo and the University of Michigan. In the corporate world, Karen has driven big data and edge computing initiatives at Ericsson and advanced connected and autonomous vehicle technologies at Ford Motor Company, contributing significantly to commercial and electric vehicle growth. Together, they explore the rapid advancements in autonomous driving — from the role of software-defined vehicles and digital twins to the growing importance of cloud architectures. Dr. Langona shares how cutting-edge development processes are being accelerated by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI — and discusses the challenges and opportunities across the entire automotive value chain. One highlight: her insights into real-world use cases, her vision for collaboration within AWS’s partner ecosystem, and her outlook on the road to Level 4 and Level 5 autonomy.

In the 9th episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club Podcast, Sarah Harman welcomes Vojtech Vosecky, a leading voice in the circular economy. Vojtech's expertise, honed through co-founding the Institute of Circular Economy and advising numerous organizations, mayors, and CEOs, makes him a key figure in the discussion around sustainable practices. Together, they explore what it means to be a circular economist and delve into the importance of transitioning from a linear to a circular economy within the mobility sector. Vosecky discusses the four key strategies to create a circular economy: rethink, reduce, recover, and recycle. This episode offers exciting insights and an exclusive look at how circular economy principles can reshape the future of mobility.

In the eighth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, Sarah Harman welcomes Thomas Drewes, Head of Autonomous Driving at DB Regio AG. Together, they explore the future of autonomous driving in public transportation and the opportunities that automated mobility solutions create for both urban and rural areas. Thomas Drewes explains why autonomous driving is a game-changer for public transit, particularly in light of the growing driver shortage and rising operational costs. He shares insights into the KIRA project, where DB Regio is testing Level 4 technology to seamlessly integrate autonomous vehicles into local transportation networks. They also discuss the role of artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and policy frameworks in paving the way for scalable and sustainable mobility. How can autonomous driving improve connectivity in rural areas? When could driverless buses become a reality? And what steps does the government need to take to position Germany as a leader in this field? This episode offers exciting answers and an exclusive look at the future of mobility.

In the seventh episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, Sarah Harman welcomes Magnus Östberg, Chief Software Officer at Mercedes-Benz AG. Together, they explore the future of automotive software and how Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) is ushering in a new era of software-defined vehicles. Magnus explains why software in the automotive industry is no longer just about infotainment—it’s transforming the entire driving experience. From hyper-personalized interfaces and advanced AI integration to seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates, MB.OS is redefining what a vehicle can do. He also shares exclusive insights into the role of generative AI, the introduction of ChatGPT in Mercedes vehicles, and the vision for fully connected mobility that extends beyond the car itself. We also discuss how partnerships with Google, Sony,are shaping the digital future of Mercedes-Benz, and why the company isn’t just building a “smartphone on wheels,” but rather a luxurious, secure, and intelligent digital driving environment.

In the sixth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, Sarah Harman welcomes Albert Waas, Managing Director & Partner at BCG and Head of the Automotive & Mobility sector in Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Africa. Albert shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the European automotive industry during this transformative period. We discuss stagnating EV sales, rising costs for automakers, and the impact of global geopolitical developments on the sector. Albert explains how production flexibility and striking the right balance between innovation and cost reduction are key to staying competitive. A particular focus is placed on battery production, sustainable mobility goals, and the need for closer collaboration between industry and policymakers.

In the fifth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, we welcome Philippe van den Berge, Vice President of Automotive, EMEA at NVIDIA. Philippe shares fascinating insights into the transformative role of AI and advanced computing in the automotive industry. Together, we explore NVIDIA's cutting-edge technologies, including Omniverse, a platform for creating digital twins, and the Drive platform for autonomous vehicles. Philippe explains how digital twins can enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation. We also discuss how humanoid robotics could revolutionize manufacturing and the opportunities generative AI presents for developing new driver assistance systems. Learn how NVIDIA is helping automakers leverage AI-driven platforms and why investing in these technologies is more critical than ever. Don’t miss this insightful episode, shedding light on the future of mobility and the potential of digital transformation.

In the fourth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, our host Tim Wegner welcomes Wayne Griffiths, CEO of SEAT and CUPRA. Wayne Griffiths has transformed CUPRA into one of the fastest-growing car brands in Europe in just six years. In this conversation, he shares his vision for the future of the automotive industry, the challenges of electrification, and how CUPRA is redefining the world of cars. From disruptive strategies and building an authentic brand to his ambitious goal of making CUPRA a global, fully electric brand—this inspiring conversation offers deep insights into an exciting new era of mobility.

Join us on the latest episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club podcast for an insightful journey through the recent transformations in urbanism and mobility. In this episode, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Scott Shepard, Founder & CEO of #CitiesFirst Advisors. Scott brings extensive expertise in urban planning and mobility innovation. Together, they delve into an overview and chronology of recent urbanism and mobility changes, featuring compelling case studies from Europe and the Global South. Scott shares his insights on the role of AI in shaping future urban environments and transportation systems. He discusses emerging trends that are transforming cities worldwide, enhancing sustainability, and improving quality of life. Tune in to learn how technological advancements and innovative planning are redefining urban spaces, and discover Scott's vision for the future of our cities. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that highlights the pivotal developments shaping the next generation of urban living and mobility.

Join us on the latest episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club podcast for an exclusive glimpse into the future of mobility as we approach IAA MOBILITY 2025. In this episode, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Felix Poernbacher, Co-founder and Co-CEO of DeepDrive, a pioneering high-tech company revolutionizing electric vehicle drive units. Felix shares his insights on the unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, discussing how DeepDrive’s innovative dual-rotor electric motor technology is set to transform electric mobility. He explains how this breakthrough increases energy efficiency by 20%, reduces costs significantly, and enables more compact vehicle designs. Felix also emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships between high-tech startups and established automotive giants to drive innovation and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Tune in to learn how DeepDrive is collaborating with industry leaders like BMW and Continental to bring this game-changing technology to the roads, and discover Felix’s vision for the future of sustainable transportation. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the cutting-edge developments shaping the next generation of mobility.

Join us on the new episode of IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club podcast for an exclusive look ahead of IAA MOBILITY 2025. In this season 2024/2025, at the beginning, an expert selected in collaboration with our knowledge partner Boston Consulting Group, delivers a 5-10 minute inspirational talk. The talks provide valuable insights, stimulate thought-provoking ideas, and inspire the audience to consider new perspectives on the future of mobility. ollowing the talk, there is a 15-20 minute interactive Q&A session, where moderator Sarah Harmann fields questions from the audience , pre-recorded on the LinkedIn channel of IAA MOBILITY. In the first episode in this season, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Hildegard Müller shares her valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry. She discusses the need for sustainable production processes, the development of electric vehicles and alternative propulsion technologies, and the importance of a comprehensive charging infrastructure in Europe. Additionally, she talks about the role of digitalization, the future of connected vehicles, and the challenges posed by geopolitical uncertainties. Tune in for fascinating insights and learn how the VDA is actively driving the transformation of the mobility sector. She also shares her personal visions for the future of mobility in 10, 20, and 30 years and what new trends and technologies she expects to see showcased at IAA MOBILITY 2025.

Join us on the latest episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club Podcast for an exclusive look back at the highlights of IAA MOBILITY 2023. Discover how over half a million people were captivated by the future of mobility in Munich, with over 300 world premieres and innovations. Hear about the vibrant discussions, groundbreaking ideas, and the incredible enthusiasm for sustainable and digital mobility solutions. Plus, get a sneak peek into what's next for our podcast as we gear up for a winter break and an exciting new format in the coming year. Don't miss this episode as we celebrate the innovation and dynamism of the mobility industry. Tune in now to reflect, get inspired, and prepare for an even more visionary future!

VISIONARY CLUB SPECIAL. This special episode, hosted by Sarah Harman, was recorded live at IAA MOBILITY 2023. Our visionaries this episode are Andreas Girisch, Philippe van den Berge and Xuan Liu. Andreas Girisch is a Partner based out of the Munich office of the Boston Consulting Group. He is part of BCG's global Auto.Tech team and an expert in ADAS/AD, software-defined vehicles, and E/E architectures. He supports OEMs, suppliers and tech players globally on strategy, technology, and organization both in the passenger and commercial vehicle industries. Andreas holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen (HSG), and a Masters in Management and CEMS from the London School of Economics (LSE) Philippe van den Berge joined NVIDIA in 2015 to lead its embedded business in EMEA. Today, he is responsible for bringing NVIDIA to the automotive market in EMEA, supporting the industry’s transition to embracing accelerated computing for a range of applications. This includes software and hardware in the car, the digitalization of the automotive design, production and sales processes, and enabling the compute capacity for various applications native to the industry. Xuan Liu is a former senior engineer at Google, a core engineer at Baidu USA's self-driving unit, and a key contributor to Baidu Apollo solution. He was the first Yao class graduate of Tsinghua University and received a Doctorate in computer science from the National University of Singapore. Together they discuss exciting aspects of the autonomous driving industry. This episode's topics: - Changes to the Mobility Industry - Hardware & Software - Regulation and Governance - Customer Perspective & Current Situation in Europe - Adoption

VISIONARY CLUB SPECIAL. This special episode, hosted by Sarah Harman, was recorded live at IAA MOBILITY 2023. Our visionaries this episode are Philipp Sadek and Natascha Spörle. Philipp Sadek is a Principal based out of the Vienna office of Boston Consulting Group. He advises clients on strategy, digitalization and performance topics across downstream automotive & mobility landscape: (micro-)mobility solutions, captive finance, sales & marketing. He has worked with OEMs, suppliers, and mobility players in Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Before joining BCG, Philipp worked in startups and venture capital. He completed his Masters at the London School of Economics (LSE). Natascha Spörle is Head of Public Policy Micromobility DACH at Bolt, the European super-app with the mission to make urban mobility more affordable, safe and sustainable. Having worked as advisor to a Member of the German Parliament and as political consultant in the mobility sector, Natascha dedicates her career to mobility and transport policy. Natascha joined Bolt in November 2021, shortly after Bolt launched its services in Germany. She is in constant exchange with governments and cities in the DACH region about the future of mobility. Natascha lives in Berlin, does not own a car and believes in cities built for people, not cars. Together they discuss exciting aspects of the micromobility industry. This episode's topics: - Current Micromobility Developments - A Vision for Urban Mobility - Paris Banning E-Scooters - Concerns About Micromobility - Cars or Micromobility? - Rural Mobility

VISIONARY CLUB SPECIAL. This special episode, hosted by Sarah Harman, was recorded live at IAA MOBILITY 2023. Our visionaries this episode are Oliver Schwager and Axel Weichert. Oliver Schwager is a Managing Director in the Munich office of BCG Platinion. His passion? Accelerating tech topics of key relevance for his clients. In his work, he supports them in their critical IT initiatives, ranging from designing and migrating to next-generation architectures to transforming IT organizations to be ready for managing IT programs at scale in agile ways of working. With now more than 15 years in IT consulting, he has gathered tangible industry expertise in the context of a broad range of IT topics, including IT architecture and data strategy, architecture modernization, and digital transformation - whilst also keeping up with hands-on experience on the latest tech buzz like IoT and the Metaverse. Axel Weichert has been with Daimler and Mercedes-Benz since 1996 and is now the Director of Digital & IT Marketing & Sales, making him an absolute expert on what technology can do for car users. With all the details on how AI enhances not only the driving experience but also increases safety and customer satisfaction at Mercedes-Benz, he invites you to experience the multiple diverse facets of Artificial Intelligence and what they mean for mobility. Together they discuss the current state of Artificial Intelligence in the mobility sector and its future. This episode's topics: - Software in Automobiles - Challenges and Opportunities of AI - Ethical Considerations and Sustainability - The Future of Consumer Technology

VISIONARY CLUB SPECIAL. This special episode, hosted by Sarah Harman, was recorded live at IAA MOBILITY 2023. Our visionaries this episode are Maximilian Wühr and Florian v. Klier. Maximilian Wühr is the CEO and co-founder of Munich-based mobility company FINN. FINN is the leading car subscription company in Germany and the United States of America. Maximilian founded FINN with his co-founders in 2019 to simplify the car-buying experience. The goal is to make buying a car as easy as buying shoes online. Before that, he worked at several startups and investment companies, including Kaia Health and Picus Capital. As a mobility and sales enthusiast, Florian Ritter von Klier started his journey at Sixt in 2017. Since 2021 he has been the Executive Director of Global Innovations & Solutions. His desire to sell actual solutions and develop innovative, digital, flexible & sustainable mobility products makes him a visionary expert on subscription models and new mobility. Together they discuss important aspects of vehicle subscription models. This episode's topics: - Vehicle Subscription vs. Ownership - Subscription or Leasing | What's the Difference? - Balance Offering Choice and Operational Efficiency - Depreciation and Pricing Models - Value of Customer Data - Impact of Autonomous Driving - The Role of Charging Infrastructure

VISIONARY CLUB SPECIAL. This special episode, hosted by Sarah Harman, was recorded live at IAA MOBILITY 2023. Our visionaries this episode are Björn Bender and Thomas Zimmermann. Björn Bender joined Rail Europe as President & CEO in November 2022. He is a mobility expert with a 20-year experience in the sector, and brought his rail expertise, customer centricity and spirit of innovation to the company. Before joining Rail Europe, Björn was Head of Innovation, Research and Incubation at Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) , prior to which he led the company’s business unit New Mobility Services. "I am making it my personal mission to make European trains more accessible, while facilitating European train digital distribution. The mobility transition and the so-called ‘revenge’ travel period that we are witnessing today holds many opportunities for the industry and Rail Europe as a well-known brand with a 90-year history." Thomas Zimmermann has been CEO of FREENOW, Europe's super app for mobility, since April 1, 2022. Previously, he was the company's Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) since 2018, responsible for marketing and communications activities, marketplace performance, and the data and growth teams. In his role, he initiated comprehensive efforts to drive efficiencies across the company, in addition to strategically repositioning the brand. Prior to joining FREENOW, the business graduate held various management positions, including at venture capital firm IONIQ Group and online and mobile games developer Goodgame Studios. Together they discuss the current state of Mobility as a Service and its future. This episode's topics: - A seamless experience with Mobility as a Service - FREENOW & Rail Europe - A super app for mobility? - Encouraging greener transport modes

VISIONARY CLUB SPECIAL. This special episode, hosted by Sarah Harman, was recorded live at IAA MOBILITY 2023. Our visionaries this episode are John Tintinalli and Dr Simon Engelke. As General Manager of SAE Europe, John Tintinalli is responsible for the strategy and operations supporting the mission of SAE International as it relates to its European constituency. A native of Detroit, he has spent much of his career in automotive and now lives in the Netherlands. John spent much of his career in software engineering, creating the first SaaS logistics management system for the automotive industry and developing the production parts tracking system used by BMW’s Spartanburg factory supply chain. John holds a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In his spare time, he enjoys fixing and making things. Dr. Simon Engelke is the Founder & Chair of Battery Associates. Simon completed his Ph.D. on Lithium-ion batteries at the University of Cambridge. He is the recipient of multiple awards including the Trinity Bradfield Prize and Cambridge University Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He is a member of the Global Shapers Community and World.Minds. Simon has been invited to speak at various events including the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25), IAA MOBILITY, FT Future of the Car Summit, and Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. He served as Co-Curator of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Strategic Intelligence for Future of Energy and Batteries and as Fellow of the WEF Global Future Council on Energy Technologies. Together they discuss the risks, opportunities and impacts of battery technology in the automotive industry. This episode's topics: - Electrification - EV Battery Technologies - Battery Passports - Regulations - Supply Chain

Our visionaries this episode are Gretchen Effgen and Christiane Zorn. Gretchen Effgen is Global Director of Partnerships for Android Auto at Google. Formerly VP at Motional, an autonomous vehicle joint venture between Hyundai and Aptiv, which she helped the founders grow from Series A through to acquisition. Previously, as a Zipcar executive, she was responsible for some of the earliest collaborations between the then-emerging mobility-as-a-service industry and established OEMs, including those with Ford, Honda, and Toyota. She has served on the Board of Directors of Coord, acquired by Sidewalk and folded into Google, and CivicSmart, a parking technology company. Gretchen is a three-time appointee to the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils and served on the Commission on the Future of Transportation at the appointment of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. Christiane Zorn started out as an Associate / Consultant at our IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club Podcast Knowledge Partner: BCG. Since then she has made an impressive career through several high-profile positions at BMW before her switch to Audi in 2020. Since March 2023 she has been Vice President of Product and Portfolio Strategy - a position where she shapes the global future of not only Audi but the mobility sector as a whole. Together they discuss the issues, possibilities, and potentials of Software-Defined Vehicles. In this episode, our visionaries talk about questions from the following categories: • User Experience • Innovation • Monetization • Ecosystem • User Acceptance

Our visionaries this episode are Roger Atkins and Lars Jacobs. Roger Atkins is not only the founder of Electric Vehicles Outlooks, a business looking to help progress the broader EV proposition with OEM's, Investors, Suppliers, and Users. He is also a LinkedIn Top Voice for EV and host of his own podcast: The Electric & Eclectic Podcast Show. With 38 years of auto sector experience (the past 19 intimately engaged with all aspects of the electric vehicle journey), Roger keeps his eyes and ears open for exciting stories to share - and champions companies, technologies, and people that are going to make a difference. After studying International Business, Lars Jacobs held various management positions at Vodafone Germany in the Digital and Operations division. In April 2022, he took over the EMP (E-Mobility Provider) & Digital Solutions division at EnBW. In addition to the operation and further development of the award-winning EnBW mobility+ app and charging tariffs, his responsibilities include roaming, digital product management, and various software solutions that make charging simple and straightforward for customers. In a nutshell: Lars and his teams are working to improve the digital charging experience for customers. And not just at EnBW's own charging points, but throughout the entire EnBW HyperNetwork at more than 500,000 charging points from hundreds of different operators in Europe. Together they discuss the issues, possibilities, and potentials of Electric Vehicles. In this episode, our visionaries talk about questions from the following categories: • Electrification & Future Mobility • Business Models • Customer Sentiments • Technology • Charging Networks

Our visionaries this episode are Ian Cartabiano and Pierre Leclercq. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, Ian Cartabiano knew he wanted to work in the automotive design industry from an early age, spending much of his free time sketching during his days at South High School in Torrance, California. So, it should come as no surprise that cars and art are in his blood: His father was a toy designer; his mother, a costume maker and painter, while the entire Cartabiano family spent way too much time getting their cool cars to actually run. In the summer of 2022, Ian returned to Calty as Vice President of Advanced Design in Newport beach, CA. When asked about his career highlights, he cites, being at the Detroit Auto Show when the LF-LC Concept won best concept, getting a ride around Las Vegas Speedway in a NASCAR Camry racecar he helped design, and winning the Art Center’s Great Teacher of the Year Award in 2016, where he was a professor from 1999 to 2017. Cartabiano spends his spare time with family and friends, painting, traveling and hoping his 1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal project car will someday run. Pierre Leclercq studied industrial design at the École supérieure des arts Saint-Luc in Liège and joined a program devoted to mobility design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.In November 2018, he became head of Citroën's styling office, succeeding Alexandre Malval, who left for Mercedes-Benz7. The first project he led in its entirety at Citroën was the C4 X, a 4-door version of the third-generation C48. Together they discuss the issues, possibilities, and potentials of Design in the Mobility sector. In this episode, our visionaries talk about questions from these six categories: User Experience Software-Defined Vehicles Innovation Monetization Ecosystem User Acceptance

Our visionaries this episode are Maria Tsavachidis and Marco te Brömmelstroet. Maria Tsavachidis is the CEO of the EIT Urban Mobility, the largest European initiative transforming urban mobility and a European knowledge and innovation community to accelerate the transition towards sustainable urban mobility and livable urban spaces. Before joining the European Institute for Innovation and Technology in 2018, she was responsible for Innovation at Siemens for more than 20 years in varying positions. She started her career as a researcher in the field of Intelligent Transport Systems and holds a Ph.D. in traffic engineering from the Technical University of Munich. Marco te Brömmelstroet is a well-known and widely respected Professor in Urban Mobility Futures at the University of Amsterdam. In his home country, the Netherlands, he also owns a bike shop and the non-profit foundation “The Lab of Thought”, a platform and think tank with the goal of revolutionizing the mobility sector on a global scale. In his teachings and endeavors, he’s a strong defender of education as key to a movement toward a greener future. Together they discuss the issues, possibilities, and potentials of mobility in Urban spaces. In this episode, our visionaries talk about questions from these six categories: Sustainable Transportation Smart Cities & Mobility Micro-Mobility & Last-Mile Solutions Social Equity & Accessibility Policy & Governance Urban Planning & Architecture

Our visionaries this episode are Jessica Robinson and Mujeeb Ijaz. Jessica Robinson is a mobility investor, entrepreneur, educator, and champion of Detroit. As Co-Founder and Partner of Assembly Ventures, she invests in and strategically supports the entrepreneurs and mobility companies moving the Western world. Jessica draws daily on her diverse operating experience which spans a high-growth startup, world-class accelerator, top 5 global automaker, technology workforce development, and venture capital. Mujeeb Ijaz is a battery systems engineer with over 30 years of experience in the development of electric vehicles and battery systems technologies. As founder and chief executive officer of Our Next Energy (ONE), he designs and manufactures advanced lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and stationary storage systems to help the world transition to clean energy and expand access to sustainable power. His career work has focused on furthering the adoption of electric vehicles through advancements in battery safety, range, and costs. With their shared insight they dive into the future of electric vehicle batteries, discussing lifespan, serviceability, and production. In this episode our visionaries discuss questions from these six categories: Regulation Supply Chain Electrification Emissions & Sustainability Business Models & Innovation Future of Mobility

Our visionaries this episode are Bastian Schütz and Nils Wollny. Bastian Schütz is the Manager of Developer Partnerships at Meta Reality Labs, collaborating with XR Developers, studios, and agencies to create immersive content for various mixed reality and virtual reality headsets. Nils Wollny, CEO, and Co-Founder of holoride, is a major player in the automotive and entertainment sectors who has been instrumental in focusing holoride's attention on turning transit time into a more engaging and productive experience. With their shared insight, Bastian and Nils examine the potential of emerging technologies like AR/VR, and the metaverse in the automotive industry, and how they can revolutionize the way we interact with our vehicles. In this episode our visionaries discuss questions from these six categories: AR/VR The Metaverse NFTs Sustainability Ecosystem and UX

Newcomer meets industry leader: opposites attract Start-ups and the big names in the industry: As different as the cultures in the companies are, cooperation can be particularly fruitful in the automotive industry - if both get involved with each other. What and above all how newcomers and industry leaders can learn from each other is the topic of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club. Some are agile, others process-driven. Some go for full risk, others are more cautious. Some act quickly, others thoughtfully: the cultural differences between start-ups and established companies are obvious - but yet, in this case, seem to apply more and more often: Opposites attract. Cooperation programs between young and established companies are gaining in popularity in the DACH region, for example, as the consulting firm mm1 notes in its "Start-up and Innovation Monitor 2022." According to the report, the number of cross-company cooperation programs in particular stands out. Compared to the previous year, this number has risen by 14 to 57 among the companies surveyed. In the automotive industry, too, newcomers and top dogs are moving closer together. For Dr. Michael Schlotter, Director of Applied Research - Innovation Networks at Schaeffler, this comes as no surprise. After all, he says, these partnerships are often very fruitful. The magic lies precisely in the different attitudes toward mistakes and risks. "Fail often, fail fast" - large companies could benefit from this often quoted start-up motto. "Start-ups can tackle crazy ideas and make mistakes - that is so impossible for large companies in their structures." Fear-free startups here, risk-avoiding corporations there - "these two attitudes need to be brought together to enable breakthrough innovations." More trust for greater innovation potential The only question is: How can this be done? First of all, with the right attitude, says Schlotter: "In research and development, internal solutions are often trusted more than external ones. That has to change. We need to trust start-up technologies more, because they offer great innovation potential." Startups, on the other hand, need a clear plan - and realistic expectations, says Dr. Nicolas March, CEO of Vathos. The start-up specializes in software for industrial robots, and March knows that "you should be clear about how you want to tackle a specific task together with a large company - and not expect the company to do everything for you here." Ideally, "you're working together as a team and on a real problem rather than an academic finger exercise - a problem that you can make money solving and scale," March says. Barrier to entry for investment No reward, no effort, and accordingly, successful collaboration demands a lot from both sides - more speed from established companies, for example. Startups need to move quickly, and accordingly it would be important for the major partners to make decisions quickly and speed up their processes, according to March. In terms of decisiveness - for example, about a possible investment in a promising startup - Germany still lags behind the United States. The climate for startups has improved in this country, but money doesn't flow here just for a good idea, March said. "Here, a technology and a business model first have to prove themselves." That's often a problem, he said, especially for deep-tech innovations that dare to take on big technological challenges, because getting an idea ready for proof of concept takes time - and money.

Agile, focused, creative: Start-ups as innovation drivers in the automotive industry Who is shaping the future of mobility, innovative start-ups or the established automakers? Ideally, they are joining forces. The journey is heading toward partnership - why and how this can become a driver of innovation is discussed by the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club in its latest episode. It is the prelude to a summer special dedicated to the topic of start-ups. Volkswagen does it. Porsche does it. Mercedes does too, as do BMW, Continental and Bosch. This list could go on and on. Hardly any manufacturer or major supplier in the automotive industry wants to do without programs such as incubators or accelerators, with which the established players seek out promising mobility startups, promote them and ideally integrate them into partnerships. This also involves corresponding investments: for example, between the beginning of 2020 and the summer of 2021 alone, automotive manufacturers have carried out private financing rounds with a total value of more than 9.6 billion U.S. dollars, calculates an analysis by the news portal Crunchbase. Joy of cooperation as a response to pressure to innovate The willingness to cooperate is also due to the pressure to innovate that is weighing on the industry and which current challenges such as the switch to e-mobility or advancing digitalization are once again noticeably increasing. "New technologies and new business models are essential for the future of mobility," says Jürgen Bilo in the IAA MOBILITY Visionar Club. Bilo is Managing Director of co-pace GmbH, Continental's start-up program. So new things are in demand, and innovations thrive particularly well in the world of start-ups: They are small, agile and have a clear advantage, as Stefan Cülter says. He is responsible for start-up cooperations and scouting at Volkswagen subsidiary CARIAD: "They have a crystal-clear focus on a niche and on one problem, whereas a large supplier, for example, has a broad target audience and has to solve virtually everyone's problems." Adding to that focus is access to billions in venture capital. CARIAD itself also invests in startups - and profits. "Watching how they approach and solve problems: We can learn a lot from that," says Cülter. Fresh cell cure meets financial injection When big names and young ideas join forces, it's ideally a two-way deal: For big companies, proximity to creative startups acts like a fresh cell cure in the best case scenario. The young companies are then innovation hotbeds and pacesetters at the same time. And the start-ups also naturally gain from collaborations with established players - even aside from the financial injections. "Big companies can scale, offer proof of technology, and they have access to huge markets," says Bilo. In addition, a big name on the customer list has charisma with signaling effects for the entire industry. On the way to new products To ensure that all sides really benefit from these partnerships, however, a clear focus is necessary, says Cülter, right from the start: "Companies often cooperate with startups just for the sake of cooperation, without it serving any purpose or solving any problems." At CARIAD, on the other hand, the strategy is to identify challenges in one's own company, address them with the help of start-up solutions, and then become a customer of the young company when it fits. The important thing is to know what you're looking for. Bilo also emphasizes this: "We look around for strategically or operationally relevant topics. We're about creating new products, new product portfolios and new strategies." This, he says, has resulted in partnerships such as the one with Apex.AI. With the company's meta operating system already certified, Continental aims to significantly shorten the development cycles of new mobility functions for automated and autonomous driving.

They inspire, think in new ways and increase the pace of innovation: start-ups are a driver of mobility change. Especially in the areas of micro-mobility, shared mobility, but also electrification and autonomous driving, investments are flowing into promising start-ups - and yet: There is still no European Silicon Valley. On the occasion of the fourth installment of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club, we show trends and shed light on what it takes to promote start-up culture and bring it on a par with the American one. From the need for collaboration, the role of government and the requirement for large companies to position themselves as partners of startups.

The demand for e-vehicles is growing and with it the need for public charging facilities. For the third episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club, we are looking at the charging infrastructure. This must grow quickly, not only but especially in the cities, and must also be able to reliably cover peaks in demand in the future. We are looking into the question of what is holding back, which factors and technologies can accelerate the expansion and how all of our mobility behaviour must and will change when charging has become the norm.

Everyone is talking about it, everyone is waiting for it - but what does the Metaverse bring to the world of mobility? This is the question we are exploring in the second episode of the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club. Even though the three-dimensional digital worlds of experience are still in their early stages, the automotive industry, for example, is already taking a close look at the topic and its significance for the entire value chain. Because it's not just development, production and quality assurance that can benefit. It also opens up a new market - after all, we will also want to move forward in the metaverse. About new digital sales opportunities, digital factories, the current status and the vision of a technology that will not only change the world of mobility.