What does Capgemini stand for, and what should every IAA attendee know about the company?
Sebastian Tschödrich: The commercial vehicle industry, like the entire automotive sector, must tackle multiple transformations simultaneously. The shift to sustainable powertrains, the development of new business models such as Mobility-as-a-Service and subscription models, and the need for software-defined vehicles present challenges but also great opportunities. Now more than ever, companies need a partner that can support them in both business and technology transformation.
Peter Fintl: We address a wide range of business needs, from strategy and concept to engineering, IT, and operational management. This allows us to provide comprehensive solutions, including custom end-to-end approaches. Our role is to help clients leverage technologies like generative AI, intelligent software, or sustainable battery systems and turn them into customer-relevant innovations that are both successful and profitable.
How is Capgemini contributing to the development and transformation of the commercial vehicle industry?
Sebastian Tschödrich: Capgemini has the strategic expertise and transformation know-how to help manufacturers seize the many opportunities in this sector. We assist our clients in selecting the right EV technologies and navigating their digital transformation. We also help them unlock the potential of connectivity and ecosystem thinking. Through our Commercial Vehicle Acceleration Hub, we combine insights from all areas of Capgemini to drive end-to-end transformation in the commercial vehicle industry.
What challenges do you see in implementing and operating software-defined vehicles?
Peter Fintl: Software-defined vehicles are a hot topic, but they're not an end in themselves! They're a means to optimize operational costs, enable more sustainable mobility, and quickly implement new customer features throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle. The challenges are numerous. Companies must redefine their core competencies, build strong partner networks, and instill the "software spirit" in their development teams. At the same time, they need to balance development costs, speed, product functionality, and quality. Capgemini sees a great opportunity in the convergence of IT, vehicle software, and traditional engineering. Our global development network is designed to not only provide content support but also to significantly enhance development efficiency for our clients.
Sebastian Tschödrich: A software-driven transformation approach is crucial to ensuring the speed and success of future innovations in the commercial vehicle industry. The challenge lies in implementing the right leadership, organizational and collaboration models, and ensuring a consolidated approach to data, information, and security.
4. What technological developments do you see as critical for the success of sustainable powertrains in the commercial vehicle sector?
Peter Fintl: Decarbonization in the commercial vehicle and off-highway sectors is, in the medium term, the only way forward. E-fuels and biofuels are often seen as promising solutions for making existing fleets CO2-neutral. However, the widespread adoption of these fuels is limited by overall efficiency and the availability of green energy. E-fuels will likely remain confined to segments where they are indispensable. Fuel cell vehicles are technologically ready and present an interesting opportunity for the hydrogen economy, though their overall efficiency is only marginally better than that of highly developed conventional combustion engines. Battery-electric drivetrains remain unmatched in terms of efficiency. Advances in battery technology are already making BEVs more cost-effective to operate than diesel vehicles in many use cases, including distribution transport and buses. Even in long-haul trucking, promising models are emerging.
Sebastian Tschödrich: While the trend is clearly moving toward new, sustainable powertrains, conventional drivetrains will continue to play a role in the commercial vehicle industry for decades. Companies face the challenge of managing this technological diversity. Efficiency across the entire value chain—from engineering to production and sales—is a critical success factor.
How can innovative business models like subscription and pay-per-use accelerate the transformation?
Sebastian Tschödrich: Subscription models can significantly improve financial predictability. By making ownership costs more predictable through such models, companies can benefit greatly and gain financial stability. This financial security, in turn, helps the commercial vehicle industry navigate the transformation successfully by ensuring a robust financial foundation.
Peter Fintl: To enable these new business models, powerful hardware and software platforms are essential. We help our clients not only in developing the necessary vehicle architectures but also in designing and implementing the backend systems that enable a seamless digital platform.
6. What long-term trends do you see as crucial for the industry’s development?
Sebastian Tschödrich: One trend that isn’t new but remains incredibly relevant is the use of AI to identify and reduce inefficiencies. Additionally, IoT technologies that connect data insights across the transport ecosystem and the technologies that support sustainable powertrains will be long-term drivers for the industry.
Peter Fintl: From my perspective, sustainability—particularly CO2 reduction—efficiency, and new revenue streams will be the key themes shaping the industry. Cross-cutting technologies like electrification, generative AI, and service-oriented business models will drive development in the coming years. It’s not just regulatory requirements pushing this transformation. New global competitors are increasing the pressure to transform. The industry must continue to push full speed ahead—whether with gas or electricity!