The Automotive Industry as a Driver of Prosperity – Global Challenges and Opportunities
Publication:
We are pleased to announce the release of the full study conducted by C4D – consulting4drive GmbH on behalf of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
About the Study
Title: THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AS A DRIVER OF PROSPERITY – Global Challenges and Opportunities
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global automotive industry’s transformation and its implications for economic prosperity across both industrialized and emerging nations.
Key Topics Covered:
- Global Location Competitiveness: Comparative analysis of automotive hubs including Germany, USA, China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and South Africa
- Powertrain Technology Trends: Why electric drive has yet to achieve global dominance and the continued relevance of hybrids and combustion engines in emerging markets
- Autonomous Driving: Germany’s leadership in regulatory frameworks versus USA and China’s leadership in practical application
- Company Strategies: Analysis of major OEMs including Volkswagen, Toyota, Tesla, BYD, BMW, Renault, Tata Motors, and others
- Success Stories: India’s rise as the fourth largest automotive market through market liberalization and industrialization strategy
- Future Scenarios: Development projections up to 2035 for core automotive regions with optimistic and pessimistic outlooks
- Policy Recommendations: Concrete measures for improving business location attractiveness including technology-neutral energy policy, bureaucracy reduction, tax reforms, and strategic trade partnerships
Report Details
- Pages: 118 pages with comprehensive data, charts, and analysis
- Authors: Dr. Sebastian Kahlbau, Alexej Schwindt, Lukas Yorck von Wartenburg, Felix Böbber, Ivan Gutierrez Otero (Consulting4Drive GmbH)
- Publisher: Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
- Date: August 2025
- ISBN: 978-3-948950-62-0
Why This Matters
The study reveals that while the automotive industry faces serious challenges globally—including geopolitical tensions, protectionist policies, and technological disruption—the situation is not hopeless. With the right framework conditions including lower tax burden, competitive energy costs, and reduced bureaucracy, established industrial locations can maintain their attractiveness.
For emerging economies like India, the study highlights the enormous opportunity in developing and expanding the automotive industry as a driver of prosperity.
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The full study is available as a free downloadable PDF document.
