Board members generally view burnout as a beneficial occurrence, according to research findings.
In a strategic paper, Prof. Dr. Joern Hoppmann, a specialist in strategic management, sustainability, and innovation from the University of Oldenburg, has criticised the EU's planned combustion engine phase-out by 2035, deeming it a "meaningless political signal" that lacks realism. Hoppmann argues that more attention should be given to promoting the entire ecosystem for electric mobility and alternative drives.
Hoppmann, who considers electric mobility the future of the automotive industry, believes that China is currently leading the way in this transition. He points out that China's government actively supports the production and adoption of electric vehicles and their components, resulting in a more rapid and effective shift. In contrast, Hoppmann sees the EU's approach as less comprehensive and less market-driven, which may slow down the transition.
However, Hoppmann is optimistic about Germany's potential to catch up. He believes that cooperation and openness are key for German manufacturers to compete on a global scale. He suggests that Germany needs to leverage its strengths in quality and process optimization, invest in the Chinese market, and adopt new technologies like solid-state batteries.
Volkswagen, with its close ties to Chinese joint-venture partners, serves as an example for other German manufacturers. Hoppmann also believes that a strong domestic market is crucial for the success of electric mobility in Germany, as it would leverage local know-how.
Regarding the existing fleet, Hoppmann considers synthetic fuels, or "e-fuels," relevant for classic cars, aircraft, or ships. However, he considers e-fuels inefficient and unsuitable for new vehicles.
Progress has been made in the expansion of charging infrastructure, especially along highways, but there are still gaps in rural areas. Hoppmann suggests that higher ranges and private charging options can compensate for these gaps. He also predicts that technological developments will soon make current problems with charging infrastructure seem less significant.
Indirect vehicle bans in cities, similar to those in the Netherlands, could become a reality in Germany due to EU regulations on air quality. Stricter requirements will bring significant changes in the automotive industry, and Hoppmann predicts that electric mobility will become the norm, similar to how digital cameras have prevailed due to their increasingly better performance.
From 2035 onwards, no new vehicles powered by fossil fuels will be registered in the EU. Existing vehicles can continue to be used after 2035 in the EU. Many companies agree with the combustion engine phase-out, according to Hoppmann. He also believes that Germany's unique car culture contributes to its caution in adopting electric mobility.
In conclusion, while Hoppmann acknowledges the challenges of the transition to electric mobility, he is optimistic about its potential. He urges the EU to focus on promoting the entire ecosystem for electric mobility and alternative drives, rather than solely focusing on banning combustion engines.
- Prof. Dr. Joern Hoppmann, citing his expertise in strategic management, sustainability, and innovation, contends that the EU's planned combustion engine phase-out by 2035, as a 'meaningless political signal', lacks realism and comprehensive support for electric mobility.
- In his strategic paper, Hoppmann highlights China's leadership in transitioning to electric mobility, attributing it to the government's active support for the production and adoption of electric vehicles and their components.
- Contrasting the EU's approach, Hoppmann deems the European Union's strategy as less comprehensive and less market-driven, which he believes may slow down the transition within the region.
- Hoppmann advocates cooperation and openness among German manufacturers to compete on a global scale, suggesting they must leverage their strengths in quality and process optimization, invest in the Chinese market, and adopt new technologies like solid-state batteries.
- Within the framework of the growing health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, finance, energy, fintech, technology, policy-and-legislation, and general-news industries, Hoppmann predicts that electric mobility will become the norm due to increasingly better performance and stricter EU regulations on air quality.
- Given these perspectives, Hoppmann encourages the EU to focus not only on banning combustion engines but on promoting the entire ecosystem for electric mobility and alternative drives, ensuring a smoother transition towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
