A new survey of German car industry managers suggests the sector is further into its electric vehicle transition than public debate tends to imply, with a small group of slower-moving firms distorting the wider picture and potentially dragging down the broader shift. The research, jointly conducted by the University of Sussex and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, drew on responses from 74 industry managers gathered toward the end of 2025.
The findings challenge the perception that the entire German automotive industry is lagging in EV adoption. Instead, they reveal a polarized landscape where most firms have made significant strides, but a minority of legacy automakers are holding back progress. This uneven pace could have implications for the entire supply chain and the country's climate goals.
Firms like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE) that have laid out ambitious EV plans will be looking at these results with interest. The survey underscores the importance of distinguishing between the industry leaders and laggards, as policy and investment decisions often rely on aggregate data that may mask underlying disparities.
The study's authors emphasize that targeted support for slower-moving firms could accelerate the overall transition. Without intervention, the laggards risk becoming bottlenecks, slowing down the adoption of EVs across Europe. The report also highlights the need for transparent benchmarking to help stakeholders identify which companies are truly committed to electrification.
GreenCarStocks (GCS), a specialized communications platform focusing on EVs and green energy, notes that this research provides critical insights for investors and policymakers. GCS is part of the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @IBN, which offers services including access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire, article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets, enhanced press release distribution, social media distribution, and tailored corporate communications solutions.
As the automotive industry navigates its EV transition, understanding the nuances of adoption rates is essential. This survey serves as a reminder that progress is not uniform, and strategic interventions may be necessary to ensure a smooth and timely shift away from internal combustion engines.
