At Next Mobility Labs we combine sustainability with a joy and enthusiasm for technology to develop solutions for our global mobility issues. We are the go-to partner for founders, ideas, and mobility expertise!
Our unique team gives us exclusive access to decision-making processes and economic data
Dirk Wollschläger allows us a brief insight into the current automotive industry with an outlook for 2025.
Dirk Wollschläger
Advisor and Shareholder,Ex-Global Head Automotive Industry IBM, Ex-PricewaterhouseCoopers Partner
Dirk spent the first years of his professional career in various management positions in the metal industry. He then moved to PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting, where he became a Partner. After the acquisition of PwCC by IBM, he continued to support clients in the automotive industry. In 2007, he took over the management of IBM's global business with DaimlerChrysler / Daimler. In 2012, he was appointed global of IBM's global automotive business, which he initially led from China. In 2016, he was additionally given global responsibility for the aerospace and defence business. At the end of 2021, he left IBM and founded his own consulting company. He is also Director of the Car Institute in Duisburg and serves on various advisory boards. He has been involved with Next Mobility Labs since 2023 and has been a member of the Advisory Board of NML since July 2024.
Dirk, the automotive industry in Europe and Germany is stumbling. How severe is it?
The automotive industry in Europe, and especially in Germany, has not yet recovered from the decline in sales during the pandemic. Compared to 2019, car sales will be still around 18% lower in 2024. In Germany, the strongest market in Europe, the decline is even greater at around 21%. If we look at the number of vehicles, we are talking about 3 million units in Europe and 800,000 units in the German market. With an average output of 250,000 vehicles per year, it quickly becomes clear what overcapacity exists.
Is it due to the weak sales of electric vehicles?
That is a German perception. In Germany, sales of electric vehicles fell by 32% in the first 8 months of 2024. In no other European country are sales figures falling so sharply - on the contrary. In Belgium, sales of EVs have increased by 41%, in Denmark by as much as 50%. In Europe's second-largest market, the UK, sales have risen by 11% and in the third-largest market, France, by 8%.
What are the reasons for the massive decline in EV registrations in Germany?
German consumers have lost confidence.
The short-term abolition of the incentive premium in December last year did the transformation to sustainable mobility a disservice.
The ongoing discussions about a possible new incentive for private vehicles or the possible increase in tax benefits for company cars up to a new car value of EUR 95,000 instead of the previous EUR 70,000 are leading to further reluctance to buy.
The effects are massive. The charging infrastructure is not being expanded at the same pace as before. This week, information came up that the collaboration between Wolfspeed and ZF Friedrichshafen to set up a chip factory in Saarland has failed. Due to weak demand for electric cars, the project has been put on hold for the time being.
Will it stay that way?
Even if it doesn't seem like it, we will see a clear focus on electric vehicles in the coming year and the associated investment in infrastructure. Why?
Sustainable, climate-friendly mobility is essential to achieving the Paris climate targets - in a nutshell - climate neutrality by 2050 and keeping global warming below 1.5 °C. To achieve these goals, there is no alternative to e-mobility, at least for the passenger car sector!
From next year, CO2 emissions in the EU will be reduced to 95g/km per passenger vehicle. Based on the current emissions of vehicles sold, this will result in massive penalties amounting to billions. Especially for manufacturers such as Ford, Renault, Stellantis, Volkswagen and importers such as Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, this will be very painful. Without significantly higher sales of EVs, the fines for some manufacturers next year will be higher than the profit for the financial year 2023.
Volvo shows that there is another way - with the vehicles registered this year, they have already achieved next year's CO2 limit.
Our latest innovation in one of our portfolio start-ups:
"AI in the Loop – Intelligent Lifecycle Management for Li-Ion Batteries"
Circunomics, a Next Mobility Labs portfolio startup, leverages AI and automation technologies to enhance battery management during operation, enabling automotive OEMs, energy companies, and fleet operators to efficiently monitor and maintain battery health. This AI-driven approach also optimizes second-life management, ensuring sustainable and profitable use of batteries throughout their lifecycle, from active use to their second-life applications.
Why?
Recognizing the global need for CO2 reduction as well as acknowledging the long life and low maintenance requirements of li-ion batteries, Circunomics sees industries intersecting. This combination has opened the door for these portable batteries to successfully enter both the mobility and energy market.
Solving challenges on one end of the value chain, however, can often create new challenges when trying to make these assets circular. We believe that a true circular battery economy will reduce waste, maximize residual value, and lessen the demand for new materials to be mined. In the end, circularity will reduce the CO2 emissions of the entire battery value chain.
Relevance for artificial intelligence exists in countless areas within the circular economy of a Li-ion battery.
Circunomics focuses on three key areas: battery management during operation, battery monitoring and maintenance during use, and second-life management. Using AI, it addresses and supports the resolution of challenges such as inaccurate prediction of battery lifespan and health, failure to detect safety risks, and incorrect deployment of batteries in second-life applications. AI-driven insights enable more precise forecasting, enhanced safety monitoring, and optimized second-life usage of batteries.
Using deep learning algorithms, Circunomics developed prediction models with artificial intelligence that are far more accurate than traditional, static models. These models dynamically adjust and improve over time as they gather new data. This allows AI to provide precise predictions of the remaining battery lifespan.
In addition, their AI algorithms can identify patterns in the operational data of batteries. By learning from "normal" operating behaviour across large data sets, the AI is capable of detecting anomalies or deviations that may indicate issues such as overheating, short circuits, or abnormal voltage drops.
In second-life management, AI models play a crucial role in identifying used batteries that are suitable for specific applications, such as stationary energy storage. AI models simulate the future performance of the battery based on historical data and future requirement profiles. These simulations help determine how the battery will behave in various second-life applications, such as solar storage systems, UPS systems, or charging infrastructures.
Interview@EIT Connectology - Building a strong Brand Identity
Sybille Jones
Managing Director / Brand and Product
@ Next Mobility Labs
Over 20 years experience in digital business and design. Building Brands and companies in Europe and Asia Pacific. Founder and entrepreneur with focus on product development.
What strategies do you use to ensure that startups under Next Mobility Labs stand out in a crowded market?
As this is a complex question, let me point out three key factors to show the unique strengths for a start-up to stand out.
Firstly, articulate in your Value Proposition what sets each startup apart from competitors. Focus on the unique benefits your product or service delivers to solve specific problems.
Secondly, build a strong Brand Design. Create a distinctive brand identity that includes a memorable name, logo, tag line, and visual elements that reflect your startup’s core values and personality. Challenge your startups to think of their brand not just as a visual identity but as a human-like experience. It’s about crafting a personality that people can connect with—whether it’s warm, bold, or professional. This perspective allows startups to build brands that feel alive and relatable, breaking away from traditional, static design.
Which brings me to the third factor – authenticity. Be open and honest in your communications, sharing both successes and challenges. Transparency builds trust and can differentiate your startup in markets where competitors may be less forthcoming.
With teams and partners across the world, how does a global perspective influence your branding strategy, and how do you ensure that your brand resonates across different cultures and markets?
Your brand should have a strong, consistent core that defines its values and identity. However, the execution—how you communicate, design, and engage—should be localized to reflect the specific expectations of each country. This balance helps startups remain relevant and relatable across multiple markets. Key in execution is to work with local partners who have the expertise and insights.
Storytelling is a powerful tool in branding. How do you incorporate the unique stories of your startups into their brand identity?
Storytelling is more than a marketing tactic—it’s the heartbeat of your brand. A compelling narrative weaves your values, mission, and unique selling points into every touchpoint.
Let me give you an example from one of our portfolio start-ups: their name fronyx – comes from the word fronesis (also spelt ‘phronesis’) is a Greek term that plays an important role in ancient philosophy, particularly in Aristotle. It is often translated as ‘practical wisdom’ or ‘prudence’ and refers to the ability to recognise and implement the right action in certain situations.
fronyx puts this wisdom into practice. Fronesis is not just theoretical knowledge or technical skill, but the ability to make good decisions in everyday life. It is closely linked to virtue ethics and encompasses the knowledge of what is good and right, as well as the judgement to apply this in practice.
This is the core of how they develop their AI, this is their promise they give to their customer. Their brand and name is giving the entire company meaning and context.
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