A new survey of German car industry managers suggests the sector is further into its electric vehicle transition than public debate tends to imply, with a small group of slower-moving firms distorting the wider picture and potentially dragging down the broader shift. The research, carried out 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 firms have made substantial strides in electrification, a subset of legacy automakers is lagging behind. These slower-moving companies, often traditional internal combustion engine manufacturers, are creating a perception that the entire industry is struggling to adapt. In reality, the majority of managers reported that their firms are well along in the transition, with ambitious plans for electric vehicle production and infrastructure.
Firms like Ferrari N.V. (NYSE: RACE) that have laid out ambitious EV plans will be looking at this data closely. The survey highlights that the gap between leaders and laggards could have significant implications for the industry's overall pace of change. If the slower firms continue to resist, they may face competitive disadvantages as consumer demand and regulatory pressures for EVs intensify.
The study underscores the importance of not painting the entire industry with a broad brush. While legacy automakers often dominate headlines with their cautious approaches, many companies are actively investing in electric drivetrains, battery technology, and charging networks. The survey results suggest that the EV transition is more advanced than commonly perceived, but the outliers must be addressed to ensure a smooth and rapid shift.
