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      How to succeed in a world where strategy, technology and markets never stand still

      There is no longer one defining disruption shaping the automotive industry. The rise of digital and AI technology, changing customer expectations, developing ecosystems and ongoing geopolitical tensions are no longer separate trends competing for attention. They are converging into a single leadership challenge for every boardroom, requiring leaders to manage continuous change across multiple fronts at the same time.

      We heard this directly from more than 775 executives across the automotive ecosystem, including OEMs, suppliers, dealers and mobility providers. And while opinions differ on which technologies, regions or business models will create the most value, one message comes through clearly: the gap between pacesetters and followers is not primarily about strategy, technology or market knowledge. It is about clarity.

      Key highlights

      Deliver Transformation

      52% of executives agree that continuous transformation is now the norm for the industry, not a program with an end date.

      Activate Technology

      Only 36% of AI and software initiatives have scaled beyond the pilot phase and been adopted across the organization.

      Scale Trust

      Half of executives believe trust in digital and connected features will decide which companies win or lose over the next three years.

      Balance Tension

      Only 5% of respondents feel very prepared to respond to geopolitical and regulatory pressures.

      Accelerate Together

      The share of value creation to be enabled by external partnerships and ecosystems will rise to 44% over the next 3 years.

      The companies that move fastest to translate technology into customer value, while retaining the flexibility to respond across markets, will likely be best placed to lead the next phase of the automotive industry.

      Dr. Andreas Ries

      Global Head of Automotive

      KPMG International

      The Five Ts: The automotive boardroom’s new North Star

      Years of disruption and transformation have fundamentally reshaped the automotive industry. Last year, we introduced Five Ts (Transformation, Technology, Together, Trust and Tension) to describe the forces reshaping the industry. This year, they explain how organizations should position themselves to create value, build resilience and outperform in an increasingly volatile market.

      The 26th Global Automotive Executive Survey reveals the key findings of our data within the context of these critical Five Ts.

      Manage continuous change

      Find out how to succeed in a world where strategy, technology and markets never stand still.

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      26th Global Automotive Executive Survey

      Download the full report

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      Our people

      Dr. Andreas Ries

      Global Head of Automotive

      KPMG International

      Nicolas Nowicki

      Associé, Responsable du Secteur Automobile

      KPMG en France

      Lenny LaRocca

      Partner, Financial Due Diligence

      KPMG in the U.S.