Legacy Automakers Slowing EV Transition, Survey Suggests
A survey of German car industry managers reveals that while the sector is progressing in its electric vehicle transition, a small group of slower-moving firms is distorting the overall picture and dragging down the broader shift.
A new survey of German car industry managers suggests the sector is further into its electric vehicle (EV) 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, conducted jointly 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 indicate that a majority of automakers have made significant strides in electrification, but a minority of legacy firms are lagging behind, creating an uneven pace of adoption. This disparity could have implications for the industry's overall progress toward meeting climate goals and regulatory targets. Companies like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE) that have laid out ambitious EV plans stand in contrast to those that are slower to adapt, highlighting the challenges within the traditional automotive sector.
The survey's timing, at the end of 2025, captures a critical juncture as the automotive industry faces increasing pressure from regulators and consumers to accelerate the shift away from internal combustion engines. The slow movers risk not only falling behind competitively but also hampering the entire ecosystem, including suppliers and infrastructure development, that depends on a coordinated transition.
Experts note that the distortion caused by a few firms can skew perceptions of the industry's readiness for EVs, potentially influencing policy decisions and investor confidence. The research underscores the need for targeted support and incentives to help lagging companies catch up, as well as transparency in reporting progress to avoid misleading narratives.
For more information on the companies involved and the broader implications, visit GreenCarStocks, a platform focused on electric vehicles and the green energy sector.