Struggling IAA in efforts to draw in clients

The IAA Mobility auto show, taking place in Munich from today until Friday, is a hub for the latest advancements in the automotive industry. This year, the focus is on electrification, efficiency, and future technology.

The Volkswagen Group is making a significant impact at the show, presenting four electric entry-level models from VW, ŠKODA, and CUPRA. One of the most anticipated is the ID.Polo, expected to start at prices just under €25,000 and hit the market next year.

Mercedes-Benz is also showcasing an electric GLC with a screen over a meter wide. The new design deviates significantly from previous electric EQ models, marking a fresh approach for the brand.

BMW is showcasing the iX3, the first series model of the Neue Klasse. Notable features include the new Panoramic iDrive operating concept, which displays all essential information on a display strip over a meter wide directly below the windshield. The iX3 also boasts improved battery efficiency, drive, charging times, and computers, with a range of 800 kilometers.

Software updates are a major topic at the show, aimed at keeping cars fresh and improving functions even years after purchase. The automotive industry is also focusing on new sensors and assistance systems, more efficient electronics, and sustainable materials.

The show also spotlights innovative technologies like steering and braking "by wire," which sends commands as electrical signals to motors. This technology, found in the iX3, saves weight, provides flexibility in the interior, and enables quick and precise reactions.

However, the auto industry is facing challenges. German automakers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes, and BMW, have reported substantial profit declines in the first half of the year compared to a relatively weak previous year. The reasons for the profit declines include the expected growth in electromobility not materializing, decreased sales of cars, especially in the crucial Chinese market, and recent U.S. tariffs.

The show also welcomes Chinese companies like BYD and Xpeng, with 116 exhibitors from the People's Republic, more than any other country. This significant presence of Chinese companies reflects the growing importance of the Asian market in the global automotive industry.

Despite these challenges, the IAA Mobility auto show remains a beacon of innovation and progress in the automotive industry, showcasing the future positioning of the industry towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.