EV makers and suppliers must prepare for a more contentious world

The innovative world of automotive manufacturing could be about to get a lot more contentious due to disruption led by electric vehicles, lower barriers to entry and the divergence of global supply chains. Established automakers and leading OEMs could end up losing ground to agile new entrants if they fail to adequately prepare.The global automotive industry is undergoing a period of rapid technological and manufacturing transformation. Electrification, digitalisation, autonomy and connectivity are reducing the dominance of established OEMs and introducing greater uncertainty about the shape of the industry, particularly in the fast-growing EV market. The emergence of new technologies has encouraged a number of start-ups and non-traditional players to enter the market. Changes in the technological and manufacturing landscape will also necessitate a change in strategy around the protection of intellectual property.