2024-12-05

Table of content

1. MotoSolutions in Percentage
2. The Automotive Crossroads
3. China’s Challenge
4. Decades of Disruption
5. Hope in Sodium Power
6. Strategic Shifts in Automotive
7. Cybersecurity Matters
8. Reflections from the Forum
9. Building the Future, Together

MotoSolutions in Percentages

The excitement of the MotoSolutions Forum 2024 may have settled, but the insights and reflections remain with the RSB team as we look back on an event that truly brought the automotive industry together. This 13th edition of the forum, which included speed sessions with clients from similar sectors, once again solidified its position as one of the most influential gatherings in Central and Eastern Europe. The format provided a dynamic way to foster direct connections and quickly address the key challenges facing the industry. With 70% of participants representing production fields such as mechanical engineering, supply chain and logistics, packaging, and steel and plastic industries, the forum emphasized the core foundations of the industry. Another 15% came from service sectors like consulting, recruitment, and engineering, while the remaining 15% represented Tier OEM leaders, including Valeo, Magna, MAN Trucks, Volvo, and Stellantis.

The Automotive Crossroads

China’s Challenge

The growing dominance of China in the technology and EV market is sending shockwaves through the automotive industry, leaving European and overseas OEMs scrambling to defend their position. With Chinese automakers like SAIC Motors and BYD already planning new plants in Spain, Hungary, and Turkey, and the potential relocation of Lepmotor from Poland to Germany due to proposed EU customs on Chinese vehicles, the ripple effects on the EU supply chain are undeniable. But this is only the beginning.

China’s strategy goes beyond production—it’s about redefining the very essence of the car. While traditional markets like Germany continue to view vehicles as a symbol of driving pleasure—focusing on speed, acceleration, and engine sound—Chinese automakers are designing cars as a “third living space.” Infotainment systems, comfort, and multi-sensory experiences dominate their approach, with features like built-in gaming consoles, AI-powered assistants, and seamless battery swap stations like NIO’s concept leading the charge.

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Throughout the MotoSolutions Forum, one question seemed to linger in the air: can the European automotive sector, deeply rooted in its legacy of engineering and driving performance, adapt to this cultural and technological shift? With nine Chinese industry giants setting their sights on Europe, building R&D centers, and even establishing the first Euro NCAP test facility outside the EU, the competition is no longer just about products—it’s about redefining the future of mobility. The uncertainty surrounding whether the Polish automotive sector, and Europe as a whole, can keep pace—or risk being sidelined in this new era of innovation—added an undeniable tension to the discussions.

Decades of Disruption

The challenges facing the automotive industry span multiple horizons, each demanding significant adaptation. At MotoSolutions Forum, experts identified three key timeframes shaping the sector’s future. The forum highlighted that while the current focus is on countering China’s market influence, the industry must also prepare for longer-term disruptions, from changing ownership models to the profound impact of AI and automation on transportation systems.

Timeframe	Challenge	Key Implications
Now	China’s EV dominance with competitive pricing and advanced technology	Pressure on EU and overseas OEMs to innovate rapidly and compete on cost and quality.
5–10 years	Shift in vehicle ownership and tightening environmental regulations	Growth of shared mobility, stricter emissions standards, and the rise of electrification mandates.
10–50 years	Aging societies, AI maturity, and a complete transport transformation	Autonomous driving, redefined vehicle roles, and shifts in societal mobility needs.

Hope in Sodium Power

To lighten the otherwise challenging outlook for the industry, Sodium-Ion Cells emerged as a promising innovation during the forum. Justyna Indrychowska highlighted advancements in 12V battery systems, showcasing sodium’s accessibility as a key advantage. Unlike lithium, sodium can be sourced within EU zones, reducing reliance on Chinese suppliers. This breakthrough offers hope for a more sustainable and independent future for European cell manufacturing.

Strategic Shifts in Automotive

As RSB, we place a significant focus on strategic planning within our operations and projects, understanding its vital role in navigating the complexities of the automotive industry. This is why the strategic debate at the MotoSolutions Forum, centered around the future of the automotive sector in Europe, particularly caught our attention. The conversation delved into the challenges and emerging opportunities posed by new drive technologies, providing critical insights that will shape the next phases of transformation in the industry, especially for the Polish automotive sector.

Przemek Berendt, Head of Tech Hub Poland at Volvo Car Corporation, captured the essence of the current automotive landscape by describing it as “driving in reverse with a trailer,” an analogy that perfectly encapsulates the uncertainty and volatility companies face. As the industry races to adapt to rapidly evolving technological and regulatory landscapes, Berendt pointed to Poland’s unique advantage—its intrinsic curiosity and capacity for innovation—as key factors that can drive success amid this uncertainty.

Przemysław Jurczak, COO and Vice President of FA Krosno S.A., framed the current environment as one where risk is inherent to opportunity. He emphasized that cultivating strong, trust-based relationships with clients is not just a strategy but a necessity in the face of market unpredictability. In his view, the ability to diversify clients and manage risk effectively will be crucial to survival. His comments about Poland’s growing strength in software development further underscored the country’s evolving role as a hub for technological innovation in the automotive sector.

Marcin Pawlaczyk, Product and Sales Excellence Director at Grupa Wielton, shared a more tactical perspective, focusing on fleet management and long-term vehicle lifecycle strategies. He highlighted the need for continuous innovation in fleet technologies—ranging from parking sensors to more complex telematics solutions—and discussed how acquisitions play a strategic role in expanding capabilities. His remarks also pointed to ABERG CONNECT, a key spin-off of Wielton, as an example of how R&D-driven solutions can position companies at the forefront of industry shifts.

Josef Reszka, General Manager of MAGNA Car Top Systems Poland, brought attention to the growing risks in cybersecurity, an issue that continues to take center stage as automotive systems become increasingly digitized. His comments about production delays caused by security breaches revealed the emerging challenge: ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is no longer optional but fundamental to maintaining operational integrity and meeting market demands for safety and trust.

The debate highlighted how the automotive industry is being reshaped by technology, regulatory pressures, and shifting market dynamics. For RSB, this reaffirmed the need for proactive, agile strategies that address both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities in a highly competitive and unpredictable environment.

Cybersecurity Matters

Cybersecurity in manufacturing has become a critical concern, especially as the industry continues to embrace interconnected systems and smart technologies. At the forum, it was evident that quality alone is no longer enough; the rising threat of cyberattacks poses serious risks to production stability and financial performance. Delays and operational shifts caused by insufficient cybersecurity measures highlight the urgent need for comprehensive protection strategies—not only for operational technology but also across the entire supply chain. As the automotive sector evolves, prioritizing cybersecurity is essential to maintain competitiveness and ensure smooth operations.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the latest developments in functional safety and cybersecurity, we invite you to explore our article on key insights from the Annual Automotive Functional Safety event: RSB Team at the 2nd Annual Automotive Functional Safety Forum in Berlin – RSB Automotive Consulting

Reflections from the Forum

As we wrap up our coverage of the MotoSolutions Forum 2024, we want to share one last set of insights that caught our attention. These are additional trends and challenges that we believe will play a role in shaping the future of the automotive industry—and that we, as a business, will need to address directly or indirectly in the years ahead.

• AI-Driven Design Solutions: Automotive companies are increasingly adopting AI technology to help designers evaluate and analyze hundreds of construction solutions more efficiently, enhancing both productivity and design quality.
• Factory Expansion: In response to evolving market demands, some manufacturers have undertaken significant facility expansions, including the addition of new production halls—marking a major step after years without substantial growth.
• Trailers and Semi-Trailers: The ongoing Ukrainian war has had a major impact on the Eastern European market for used trailers, leading to a slowdown in new trailer purchases and forcing companies to rethink their strategies.
• Environmental Regulations: The automotive industry is facing increasing pressure from environmental regulations, which are driving up production costs and requiring manufacturers to invest in more sustainable solutions.
• Emerging Markets: While some sectors are struggling, other markets are showing promise. The energy and military sectors are offering growth opportunities, and public transport is gaining ground as an alternative to personal vehicles, especially in heavy transport. Additionally, air transport in China is on the rise, signaling new directions in logistics.
• Decline in Convertibles: The convertible and roof systems market is experiencing a sharp decline, particularly in China, where demand has dropped significantly. A 20% revenue decrease is expected, with many Tier 1 suppliers considering staff reductions in response.
• CO2 Emissions Regulations: New CO2 emissions regulations will significantly impact the industry, with the introduction of stricter limits that are expected to change how manufacturers operate.
• Innovation on the Horizon: Looking forward, manufacturers are exploring the development of e-axle systems that integrate gears and engines into a single unit to improve vehicle efficiency and meet future demands.

Building the Future, Together

At RSB Automotive Consulting, we believe that innovation thrives where collaboration begins. The MotoSolutions Forum 2024 was more than just a meeting of minds—it was a reminder of why we do what we do. Whether it’s navigating the shifting sands of global competition, tackling the latest cybersecurity threats, or embracing the transformative power of AI and sustainable technologies, we remain committed to connecting the right people with the right opportunities to drive change in the automotive industry.

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Every discussion, every handshake, and every idea shared during these two days reaffirmed our mission: to be a partner that empowers businesses and professionals to succeed in a fast-evolving, unpredictable world. Just as the automotive industry stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, so does RSB—with our focus on flexibility, innovation, and the pioneering spirit that defines our approach to recruitment and consulting.

Let’s shift into the next gear, together.