Silke Brand-Kirsch spoke about e-mobility and its key impacts on the coated textiles market at TCL2019 conference

25/03/2019

Never since the invention of the motor vehicle have trends been so disruptive for players all along the automotive value chain. New mobility concepts, less car ownership and the shift towards Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) are about to change the entire supply chain structure and the consumer attitude towards passengers cars regarding status, self-perception and personal freedom.

Whereas the peak in car production equipped with Internal Combustion Engines will be reached in 2024, we can already see the effect of the trends in reduced issuing of car licenses among first drivers in some regions and a heavily increasing production of BEVs in China. This is good news for producers of coated and uncoated textiles and nonwovens for over 40 different applications like air bags, seats, trims, acoustics and carpets. The window of opportunity is widely open since OEMs are looking for novel solutions for the new requirements regarding improved wear and tear, acoustics, smart textiles and more sophisticated design features. Unfortunately, this comes along with very competitive price expectations.