Is our industry still in the driver’s seat?
We are moving from a supply-driven global world into an insular world that is demand- and influencer-driven. The world is evolving into a network of islands, where application areas are the new segments and drivers are ecosystems in which our product offerings must fit in seamlessly. Depending on overall raw material policies, regulators determine individual energy agendas, which consequently satisfy economic, environmental and political interests.
Which road are our customers on?
The more customers who are integrated in ecosystems, the more expectations are set as to whether our products offer a seamlessly integrated customer experience, which customers have already experienced in other applications like mobile or tech environments. To give an example: the future of electric cars becomes more a question of whether our products are seamlessly integrated into energy networks or whether customer applications are not limited by the network and ecosystem in which we operate.
What does it mean?
We are increasingly developing from globally valid vehicle segments into islands of applications, which requires a flexible approach that our industry is not yet able to deliver.
The task will be to identify new patterns, like islands, integrated in similar structures and patterns around the world. These patterns must factor in similar mobility behaviors and grid structures, as well as similar applications in cities, suburban and urban areas. It will therefore be most important to detect each of these applications at individual customer touchpoints and provide the desired customer experience, which customers already know from other applications such as shopping, mobile, platform use or grids. Vehicle segments are outdated and the new insular world is one driven by ease of use, no hassle and seamless ecosystem interfaces.
For 20 years now, looking far beyond the obvious has always been at the core of our annual Global Automotive Executive Survey. Throughout this time, we have always aspired to leave our readers a little puzzled by or even questioning the thought-provoking ideas that we have published. Looking back on the statements we’ve made in recent years, I am very proud to say that all of these provocative ideas have transformed into what can be considered common knowledge today:
“Seamless Vehicle2Grid transition is a treasure of islands waiting to be explored like a treasure island.”
I am therefore – as always – very delighted to invite you to join us in exploring this future ecosystem and what’s next; because nothing drives progress faster than embracing new ideas together.
Enjoy the read and stay tuned!

Dieter Becker
Global and EMA Head Automotive Practice
KPMG International