2. Which mobility concept currently inspires you the most and why?  

As much as I still love the beautiful sports cars, my absolute favorites are small cars at the moment – in particular, the Japanese Kei Cars and the Citroen Ami. If we are seeing how our cities are developing at the moment, these small vehicles have everything it takes to positively impact our lifestyle in the cities. 

3. What innovations in your field will most change the way we move around cities in the next five years?  

It might not be the innovation that most people think (AI) but rather an innovation in the setup and responsibility of the design departments within the OEMS. We will see massive changes in core competencies and the role that design can and should play in the development of new vehicles. Many departments will become much more a commodity whereas design will be a driver for new concepts, experiences and a new understanding of brand. 

4. How do you see the role of public and private partnerships in promoting innovative mobility solutions?  

The public sector is absolutely key. The private sector is focused on profits (and rightfully so) however, the public secter understands transportation and mobility differently. It is a service and that is strongly subsidized to empower the population. In this area, we are not yet seeing a proper impact, plan, or even idea. Especially in the rural areas where there should be a big push, there is little to no development. I would also argue that the federal system in Germany is not set up for success to achieve such a development. This would need to be led by the central government.  

5. What are the biggest challenges you currently face in your segment, and how are you addressing them?  

Within the design world, the biggest challenges are on the one hand, the understanding of what a modern day and holistic design department can bring to the product development and definition outside of the traditional style. Moving away from an internal supplier to becoming a substantial department that will have its place within the board levels is essential for better and new products and experiences in the future. 

6. Which essential future topic receives too little attention from the public?  

Leadership skills. In a world where we are seeing constant new innovation on the tech side, we need an incredible push to a new level of leadership and courage to not only get the internal teams ready for a working world of constant change, but also about a completely new development of skills. 

7. In which area of mobility do you see the greatest potential and where the greatest need for improvement?  

Small and cheap mobility! We need to make sure that we are offering affordable mobility (in various forms, shapes and pricing models). The biggest need lies in the governments and the EU are starting to limit the constant changes of regulations to allow the OEMs to be able to build these cheaper vehicles. A bit more pragmatism over overthinking would be a healthy dose of development. 

8. IAA MOBILITY is the leading global mobility platform, bringing together innovators from all spectra of mobility. Who do you want to connect with this coming September and why?  

First and foremost, I am very much looking forward to catch up with familiar faces. But it is of course essential for us to promote the role of Design with the stakeholders and give them the best possible impression so they understand that they can trust and give more responsibilities to their leading creatives. I would hate to have another situation where we hear an announcement of „design driven organisations“ and 2 years later, we are not seeing any development in that area. We need to do better!