Electromobility Delays Allow for Strategy Refinement: Schaeffler

Multiple automotive manufacturers worldwide are delaying their electromobility plans for 2030 and 2035 due to the slowdown in the electric vehicle market. However, for Schaeffler Latin America, this trend does not present an obstacle to their future plans; instead, they view it as an opportunity for the automotive industry to better strategize the transition.

"It provides us with the opportunity to finalize testing on various aspects of the design process. We anticipated that there would be significant efforts required to address these challenges. As an automotive industry, we've been gaining insights into consumer behavior. I can understand a certain level of resistance because we hadn't previously visualized the after-sales aspect of a hybrid or electric car," says Gabriel Rivera, President, Schaeffler Latam, in an interview with MBN.

Rivera acknowledges that optimism regarding electromobility has waned among manufacturers, and Schaeffler receives requests from clients to support innovation for the performance of internal combustion engines. However, they remain committed to EVs.

"While there are still requests from clients to continue improving internal combustion engines, it's evident that there's been a shift in optimism compared to a couple of years ago. This has prompted us to reassess efficiency solutions for internal combustion engines. Nonetheless, we maintain a clear focus on electromobility, as demonstrated by the integration of the VITESCO team a couple of years ago," Rivera explains.

As part of this strategic approach, Tier 1 company Schaeffler announced last week a US$20.7 million investment for the development of its innovation center in Huejotzingo, Puebla. This facility will concentrate on advancing technology for new and enhanced electric motors, along with other electromechanical equipment for automotive applications.