Industry

Automotive

Advancements in automotive technologies and evolving business models are reshaping the global landscape. Propel your business forward with a transformative system overhaul. We support the foremost innovators in maintaining their lead in this environment.

Elevating Automotive Ambitions: Strategic Ingenuity Meets Operational Precision

Our automotive consulting professionals collaborate intimately with vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, retailers, tech entities, and mobility service providers within this context. We devise pioneering strategies that maximize your current business potential and ensure your operations are primed for the future, ready to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Navigating the evolving landscape of the automotive industry demands fresh perspectives, innovative products, and novel operational approaches. Santiago's automotive consulting specialists possess the requisite expertise and worldwide reach to reinvent today's automotive leaders and energize future visionaries. Companies must look beyond the confines of traditional value chain pursuits. A holistic business system overhaul is essential, one that accentuates customer-centricity prioritizes strategic digital technology investments, and reevaluates organizational structures at every level, from executive leadership to production lines.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers strategically position themselves for the future by aligning with the DRIVe framework. 

Dedicated Focus and Mastery: Commit to excelling in selected areas of Digitization, Regulations, Integrated Mobility, Vehicle Autonomy, and Electrification. DRIVe will likely necessitate substantial investments in mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and the cultivation of new capabilities that extend beyond conventional automotive expertise. A crucial element for success will be creating a compelling, omni-channel customer experience that reflects the brand’s values and fosters a distinctive ecosystem that secures customer loyalty.

Strategic Partnerships: Form intelligent alliances with leading technology companies and competitors within the DRIVe sectors. With finite resources, these partnerships are designed to establish industry-wide standards and platforms, aiming for broader synergies and potential lock-in effects, particularly in areas such as vehicle autonomy. A pivotal part of this strategy involves offering a differentiated customer interface across all channels to bring brand values to life and establish a unique ecosystem.

Operational Excellence: Enhance the efficiency of traditional automotive operations to reach optimal performance levels, meeting critical benchmarks across the research & development, manufacturing, sourcing, sales/marketing, after-sales, services, and general management aspects of the business.

Despite these transformative shifts requiring 10 to 20 years to materialize fully, companies need to make significant strategic decisions and investments now. Such proactive measures are vital for accessing emerging profit pools and for protecting and growing their profitable core businesses within the evolving automotive landscape defined by the DRIVe framework.

DRIVe Framework

Digitization

Digitization in the automotive sector encompasses integrating advanced digital technologies to create intelligent, connected vehicles. Digitization includes using Internet of Things (IoT) components to enable vehicles to communicate with each other and with road infrastructure, enhancing the driving experience and enabling new functionalities like real-time traffic updates and remote diagnostics. It also involves adopting digital manufacturing, design, and sales tools to streamline operations, reduce costs, and provide more personalized customer services. Automotive companies are investing in digital platforms that enable customers to interact with the brand and manage their vehicles through mobile applications, enhancing user engagement and loyalty.

Regulations

The automotive industry is heavily regulated, with standards covering everything from vehicle safety to emissions. The DRIVe framework advocates for proactive compliance with these regulations, using them as a catalyst for innovation. As governments worldwide push for lower emissions and higher safety standards, companies must adapt by designing vehicles that meet these stringent criteria without compromising performance or affordability. This includes investing in cleaner technologies, such as advanced exhaust treatment systems, and incorporating active and passive safety features that can prevent accidents or reduce their severity. By staying ahead of regulatory curves, automotive companies can avoid penalties and differentiate themselves as leaders in responsible manufacturing.

Integrated Mobility

Integrated mobility refers to a system where various forms of transportation are connected through digital technology to provide seamless door-to-door services. It responds to the growing urbanization and the need for efficient, space-saving, and environmentally friendly transportation options. This element of the DRIVe framework suggests developing services that combine different modes of transport into a cohesive user experience. For instance, an integrated mobility platform could allow users to plan a journey that includes ridesharing, public transit, and bike rentals within a single app with a unified payment system. Automotive companies are thus not just car manufacturers but providers of comprehensive mobility solutions.

Vehicle Autonomy

Vehicle autonomy focuses on transitioning from vehicles that require human operation to those capable of sensing their environment and navigating without human input. The DRIVe framework emphasizes the need to push forward with the research, development, and testing of autonomous vehicle technologies. This includes machine learning algorithms, sensor technologies, and artificial intelligence to process data and make real-time driving decisions. The goal is to increase safety, reduce traffic congestion, and provide mobility solutions for those unable to drive. The pathway to full autonomy is incremental, with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) paving the way for higher levels of automation.

Electrification

Electrification in the automotive industry involves the shift from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains. This shift is driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and achieve a sustainable, zero-emission transportation system. The DRIVe framework suggests accelerating this shift by investing in developing high-density batteries, widespread and efficient charging infrastructure, and integrating electric vehicles with renewable energy sources. Electrification also extends to optimizing electric vehicles' performance, with improvements in range, power, and charging time, thus making them more appealing to consumers. Automotive companies are encouraged to innovate in electric vehicle technology to meet regulatory demands and lead in a rapidly growing market segment.

Our Capabilities

Sales & Marketing

Enhance automotive sales and marketing strategies with data-driven insights. Target the right audience with precision and craft compelling messages that resonate with vehicle buyers and service seekers.

M&A

Navigate mergers and acquisitions in the automotive landscape with expertise. Identify synergies, assess viable targets, and integrate operations to drive growth and innovation in your automotive business.

Digital Transformation

Drive forward with a strategy that embraces autonomy and innovation. Enhance your R&D capabilities with AI, improve manufacturing with robotics, and deploy connected car technology for a smarter driving experience.

Strategy &  Corporate Finance

Build robust financial frameworks and strategies that propel you forward. From investment analysis to risk management, ensure fiscal health and strategic growth in a volatile market.

Sustainability

Steer the automotive sector towards a greener future with our sustainability strategies. Specializing in eco-friendly materials, renewable energy integration, and lifecycle analysis to reduce your environmental footprint.

NextGen Productivity

Empower your automotive enterprise with NextGen, focusing on autonomous vehicle production and the integration of AI technologies. Streamline your operations to stay at the forefront of the automotive revolution.

People & Organizations

Develop a high-performing automotive workforce with strategic HR solutions. Attract talent, enhance organizational structure, and foster a culture of innovation crucial for automotive industry leaders.

Operations

Optimize automotive operations for peak efficiency. Refine supply chain management, reduce production costs, and deliver quality vehicles to meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.

See More

Our Automotive Experience

At Santiago, our mission is to assist every client in crafting an automotive strategy centered on the capability to innovate and transform the industry. We guide our clients in the automotive industry through the analysis of significant trends impacting their operations, including:

  • Redefine automotive R&D processes to integrate cutting-edge technologies.
  • Initiate comprehensive digital transformation endeavors within the automotive sector.
  • Venture into emerging domains such as autonomous vehicles, mobility solutions, and new business models. 

We leverage our extensive knowledge base, experience, and a worldwide network of automotive consulting experts to achieve these ambitious goals for our automotive clients.

Our automotive strategy professionals bring deep sector insights and utilize targeted diagnostics and benchmarks to assist clients in strategy formulation and prioritization. We then support them in determining the optimal timing and methods for embracing innovative practices and products, partnering closely to translate these ideas into tangible outcomes.

Client Results

We're Here to Propel the Future of Mobility

Connect with us about your Automotive and Mobility needs.

begin your journey today

Our Latest Insights

Read more