autoregion international - Issue 01/2022

18 almost any shape and offers greater design possibilities. Connecting dots Connecting relevant dots is one of the main virtues in this technology shift. And to recognize what is relevant, we need our experience and know-how. Add to that courage and intelligence. That‘s how solutions are created. Nothing has changed in that regard. Genuine partnerships We have benefited from one change in particular. And that shows that despite all the imponderables, we can also speak of a great opportunity for the automotive industry. The new dynamic is permanently changing our customer-supplier relationship. It has been replaced by genuine development partnerships. In this way, we are pooling knowledge from different areas and corporate cultures. In product development, it is no longer a question of who is responsible – but more than ever how we can find the best solution together. Many of our partners are taking this new approach to collaboration, which shortens development cycles and pools expertise in the right places. An opportunity for our location The automotive industry has everything needed for successful electromobility, and in our view this transformation offers more opportunities than risks. The basic ingredients of know-how, experience and inventiveness are suf ficiently available along the supply chain. Even for technologies that are developing faster than we have been used to. Röchling Automotive Worldwide partner of automotive manufacturers and system suppliers By Tobias Eisele, Global Vice President Sales & Marketing Röchling Automotive If you ask decision-makers and co-designers about the most important characteristics of electromobility, you very often hear: „continuous leaps in technology“ and „shortened development cycles“. Both buzzwords are a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. Driving on sight For some, the topic of e-mobility is exclusively a challenge or even a threat. This is because such a transformation ties up resources, creates uncertainties, and makes forecasts even more difficult than before. We at Röchling Automotive initially felt very much the same way. New tasks were added to our role as designers of plastic components: More than ever, we must be able to anticipate developments so as not to be surprised by them. Merely following the market is not enough in this rapid transformation. No excuses Batteries are comparatively new in this equation. With our „Battery Solutions“ product area, we are meeting the demand for solutions for these hearts and drivers of e-mobility. To this end, we are developing lightweight battery cell frames, covers and carriers, for example. The first generations of these components were still conceived in metal. In the meantime, plastic has become more established as the material of choice. This is because plastic can take on Röchling Automotive www.roechling.com/automotive Share Image: © Röchling Automotive About Röchling Automotive The Röchling Group shapes industry. Worldwide. For almost 200 years. With customized plastics, we are changing the everyday lives of many people today – because they make cars lighter, medicine packaging safer, and improve industrial applications. Our approximately 11,500 employees work wherever our customers are – at 90 locations in 25 countries. The Automotive division is driving mobility forward. Our product solutions in the areas of Battery Solutions, Structural Lightweight, Aerodynamics and Propulsion help to master the major challenges. This means we protect the environment while improving the driving experience.

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