The automotive industry in NRW
North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the key centers of the German automotive industry. A broad spectrum of automotive enterprises operate in NRW – from internationally active corporations operating in conventional vehicle construction through a predominantly medium-sized supplier industry to innovative topics in the field of electromobility to automated and connected driving. These SMEs in particular are in a position to respond flexibly to changing market requirements and initiate new technical developments for cross-industry applications.
Promoting new technology
The innovative strength of the automotive sector in NRW benefits from the close collaboration between industry and applied research establishments. The South Westphalian Automotive Center, for example, provides a platform for R&D activities, engineering services and knowledge transfer between automotive manufacturers, suppliers and university institutes. NRW has significant potential in the area of electromobility – thanks also to the three centers of competence in Aachen, Dortmund and Münster. Together with 80 technology partners, scientists at RWTH Aachen University have developed the innovative electrically powered "Street Scooter" with a range of 130 kilometers and a top speed of 120 kilometers per hour. Deutsche Post DHL has assumed responsibility for this project and is deploying around 8,000 "Street Scooters" for its day-to-day parcel and mail delivery operations.
The automotive industry in NRW consists of major international corporations as well as small and medium-sized component suppliers.:
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In 4 easy steps to North Rhine-Westphalia | NRW
Mechanical engineering companies based in NRW make a key contribution to security of supply, conservation of resources and efficient energy use. Numerous hidden champions develop highly specialized products in their markets for which they are internationally renowned.
Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing the production process – and NRW, as Germany's industrial heartland, plays a key role here. The close cooperation between research and businesses, the outstanding infrastructure and broad-based ICT sector make North Rhine-Westphalia a dynamically fast-growing market.
