IBA 5th European Automotive and Mobility Services Conference, Munich – a family meeting of the IBA’s automotive community
Till Naruisch
Heuking, Frankfurt
The 5th European Automotive and Mobility Services Conference, held on 26–27 March 2025, at Upside East in Munich, Germany, brought together industry leaders, experts and stakeholders to address the pressing challenges and opportunities within the automotive and mobility services sector. The conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions on supply chain issues, the transition to electric vehicles, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the evolving regulatory frameworks impacting the automotive industry.
Opening session: general trends and competition policy
The conference commenced with an insightful session led by Christina Kunkel, a renowned automotive industry reporter for the Süddeutsche Zeitung. Christina Kunkel, together with Joachim Franz from Microsoft, explored the current situation, major challenges and emerging trends in the automotive industry. Key questions addressed included the European Commission’s plans for the industry, the impact of generative AI and the potential for the industry to realise its full potential, including a practical example on the use of AI tools for the analysis of UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations. This session set the stage for the day’s discussions, engaging the audience with thought-provoking topics.
New AI, data and ESG regulations
The second session delved into the intersection of regulatory frameworks for AI, data management and sustainability in the automotive sector. Chaired by Irene Picciano from Portolano Cavallo and Schirin Seibold-Rueger from Robert Bosch GmbH, the panel featured speakers from Volkswagen AG, IVECO Group NV, Catena-X and NIO Europe. The discussion focused on the anticipated EU automotive initiatives, the implications of the Data Act and the evolving landscape of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. The session highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by these new regulations and their alignment with the EU’s decarbonisation goals. The participants agreed that a careful regulatory approach, avoiding a regulatory ‘tsunami’ of conflicting or inconsistent sets of rules, should be favourable.
Electric vehicles, infrastructure and sustainability
The third session, chaired by Viktória Szilágyi and Moritz Winkler, brought together industry leaders from the electric vehicle (EV) sector to explore the future of electric mobility and sustainable energy solutions. Speakers from ABB E-Mobility GmbH, PSNM and NIO Europe shared their expertise on advancements in battery technology, EV innovations and charging infrastructure. The speakers concluded that electric mobility is here to stay and that the so-called range anxiety would start to diminish among customers. The panel discussed the opportunities in bidirectional charging, the challenges of the existing grid infrastructure and the need for massive investments in infrastructure. Hoping that wider infrastructural challenges will soon be solved, the speakers provided valuable insights into how their companies are driving the transition to zero-emissions transportation and shaping the future of clean energy.
Hot topic roundtables
In the fourth session, the participants actively engaged in hot topic roundtables, discussing two critical issues: (1) the European automotive industry crisis; and (2) the use of AI in the automotive sector. The breakout groups intensively examined and discussed the industrial transformation, restructuring measures and regulatory challenges, as well as the application of AI in manufacturing, sales and customer interactions. The roundtables facilitated dynamic exchanges of ideas and perspectives, fostering collaborative solutions to industry challenges.
Navigating internal challenges
The fifth session addressed the internal challenges faced by the automotive sector, including supply chain disruptions, restructuring, HR (human resources) shortages and compliance issues. Chaired by Nadine Hartung and Oliver Künzler, the panel featured speakers from Volvo Group Italia, Berylls by AlixPartners, BMW Group and Saxenhammer. The discussion covered effective transitions, legal liabilities, international sanctions and the impact of technological advances on consumer demands. The participants agreed that the automotive industry is currently facing a perfect storm of technical, political, regulatory and macroeconomic challenges. The volatile situation is even more challenging for the automotive industry with its focus on long-term planning.
Closing session
Chaired by Moritz Winkler, the conference concluded with a special presentation by Emilie Hobrücker, Lead Designer UX Lighting at BMW, on the past, present and future of iconic automotive design. The closing session provided a captivating end to a day filled with enlightening discussions and inspiring insights from esteemed speakers.
Conclusion
The Fifth European Automotive and Mobility Services Conference openly and successfully addressed the critical issues currently facing the automotive industry, offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities ahead. The event fostered collaboration and innovation, driving the future of mobility forward.