A new survey of German car industry managers suggests the sector is further into its electric vehicle transition than public debate tends to imply, but a small group of slower-moving firms is 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 while many legacy automakers have made significant strides in electrification, a subset of companies lag behind, creating an uneven pace of transition. This disparity could slow overall industry progress, as supply chains and infrastructure development depend on broad participation. Firms like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE), which have laid out ambitious EV plans, will be watching closely, as their investments may be undermined if slower competitors fail to keep up.
The survey highlights the risk of a two-speed transition, where early movers accelerate while others hesitate, potentially leading to market fragmentation. Policy makers and industry stakeholders are urged to address these disparities to ensure a cohesive shift toward electric mobility. The full impact of these dynamics remains to be seen, but the study underscores the importance of monitoring firm-level progress to avoid a stalled transition.
