Germany ranks third in the world in automotive production and second among the new connected car sector, largely thanks to the presence of revered Bavarian OEMs like BMW, Audi and MAN, along with a supplier network that consists of operations from nearly every major global player. Germany’s global reputation for automotive engineering excellence was largely born here, with the diesel engine and major technological advances in the combustion engine among the innovations hailing from the region.
Today, the tradition of moving this industry forward continues, as our companies and researches develop new technologies in electromobility, lightweight design, advanced materials, safety and comfort, efficiency, and autonomous and connected vehicles. Regional networks such as BAIKA for international automotive suppliers and the Automotive Cluster regularly bring together industry giants along with researches and high-growth startups to shape the sector’s future.
Discover Bavaria’s depth of expertise across the automotive spectrum.
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Lean how the region’s companies are shaping the future of mobility.
Download PDFAs the headquarters of BMW and Audi, the state also hosts operations from more than 1,100 other companies like Bosch Rexroth AG, Brose, Continental, Dräxlmaier Group, Schaeffler, Webasto and ZF Sachs. BMW partnered with Intel and Mobileye to open it autonomous driving research facility in Munich, while Audi launched local subsidiary Autonomous Intelligent Driving focused on the same technology. Both companies joined Daimler, Ford, Volkswagen and Porsche to form IONITY, a Munich-based joint venture that will build the first pan-European network of high-power charging stations for electric vehicles.
BMW and Audi are also leading partners of Digital Hub Mobility, a network of corporate and academic partners tackling issues in big data, eMobility and autonomous driving, and welcoming input from emerging companies in the field. Meanwhile, eight universities and 20 non-university research institutions form one of the world’s highest concentrations of automotive and engineering expertise, each pursuing breakthroughs in everything from materials science to the connected vehicle.
Those same eight universities are joined by 17 other universities of applied sciences, part of Germany’s dual education system, to provide the perfect basis for education. Sample programs in Bavaria include Automotive Computer Science at the University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Automotive Technology and Management at Coburg University, and Vehicle Technology and Mechatronics at Munich University of Applied Sciences. This ensures well-trained automotive experts and top-level talent for companies setting up operations in the state.
Feel free to contact one of our U.S. representatives directly, or request a meeting using the form below.
Representative offices for the Bavarian U.S. Offices for Economic Development are located in Boston, New York and San Francisco to assist American companies interested in establishing an office or facility in Germany. We provide complimentary and confidential services for all stages of setting up a business in the state, from planning and site selection to implementation. Contact us to help you land in Bavaria successfully.
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