ECOMOTION BOOKLET 2021

TheGermanAssociationof theAutomotive Industry (VDA) represents the interestsofGermanautomotivemanufacturers&suppliers ingovernment policies, society, and the media. With over 670 members generating 400 billion euros turnover and employing more than 800,000 people, the VDA represents a key sector for exports: 3 out of every 4 cars built in Germany are destined for export. The German automotive industry is a global player, manufacturing some 15million cars worldwide, 2/3 of which are built outside the country. Thecurrent transformationwithin theentiresector towardselectromobility anddigitalizationdemands all our combinedstrengths–and is additionally burdenedby the coronavirus. Nonetheless, we have every reason tobe optimistic: Companies havebeenexemplary incaring for their employees and customers, vaccinations are being carried out on a large scale, and an end of the current pandemic is now in sight. We are working hard in preparation for the IAA Mobility to be held in Munich this September. We assume thatmany peoplewill be vaccinated against the coronavirus by then. Themember companies of the VDA have shown that they can keep the supply chain intact evenunder themost difficult conditions, successfully manage their employees throughphases of short-timework, and remain committed to driving innovation in new technologies. Above all, a clear set of conditions need tobe set such that these companies canplanwith confidence. This concerns accelerating thedevelopment of the charging

98 Diamond Partners EcoMotion Booklet 2021