A few days before the International Motor Show (IAA), a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the automotive industry. 64 percent of automotive executives see a high or even very high risk of disruption to their own business model. In comparison, only 52 percent in the electrical industry see such a risk and in mechanical engineering, as little as 45 percent of managers are concerned. Overall, the automotive industry is much more skeptical of the current shift than other key industries. These are the results of the “Success in Change” study from business consultancy Staufen. More than 400 top executives from German companies were surveyed, including around 70 from the automotive industry.
“As our study underscores, the automotive industry – whether OEM, system suppliers or traditional suppliers – is currently facing very fundamental issues. However, companies must not lose sight of their own strengths and the opportunities associated with change,” warns Dr. Thilo Greshake, who is responsible for the automotive sector as a partner at business consultancy Staufen.
The risk of the automotive industry actually losing its previous pioneering role as an innovative industry is more than just a perceived concern. The “Change Readiness Index” (CRI) for the automotive sector, which was surveyed within the framework of the “Success in Change” study, also decreased from 61 to 55 points this year (maximum 100 points). In terms of adaptability, the automotive industry is now equal to the electrical industry and just ahead of mechanical and plant engineering (53 points).
Since the industries are examined in great detail for the CRI, the main areas needing improvement in the automotive industry can be pinpointed. The greatest downswings were seen in the areas of structures (decline from 62 to 53 points) and leadership (decrease from 58 to 50 points). “This confirms our market assessments, according to which austerity measures introduced so far slow down changes in leadership culture, and the industry shifts down a gear with regards to agility,” reports automotive expert Greshake.
However, further development of corporate and leadership culture as well as specific fostering of a company’s ability to change are indispensable requirements for successful transformation. “This is the only way to consistently gear a portfolio towards the future and ideally utilize existing resources, employees and facilities for effective value creation,” says Staufen Consultant Greshake. “It goes without saying that the development of new markets and new business models should also harness the opportunities offered by Industry 4.0.”
About the study “Success in Change”
Business consultancy Staufen surveyed a total of 421 companies in Germany on the subject of “Success in Change,” for the “Change Readiness Index 2019.” More than 65 percent of the companies surveyed come from the mechanical and plant engineering industry, the electrical industry and the automotive industry.
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About Staufen AG – www.staufen.ag
Inside every company there is an even better one. With this conviction, Staufen AG has been advising and qualifying companies and employees for 25 years. Markets are on the move – the competitive pressure is enormous. Staufen helps to quickly bring about the right changes, increase productivity, improve quality and increase innovative strength. With the appropriate strategies and methods, the international lean management consultancy ensures rapid and measurable success. In order to leverage the potential available in every company, Staufen consultants establish a lively and sustainable culture of change together with executives and employees. Staufen subsidiary Staufen Digital Neonex supports medium-sized industrial companies on their path to digital transformation. The Academy of Staufen AG also offers certified, practice-oriented training courses. From the international locations, more than 320 employees serve customers all over the world. In 2019, Staufen AG was recognized by “brand eins Wissen” as “Best Consultants” for the sixth year in a row. According to the renowned industry study “Hidden Champions 2018,” the consulting firm is Germany’s best lean management consultancy and was honored several times with the “Best of Consulting” award by the “Wirtschaftswoche” journal.
