Europa versus China: Mahle-Chef zum Wettbewerb bei Lkw: „Kampf der Giganten“

Mahle's Chief, Arnd Franz, sees the competition to electrify trucks as a battle between giants during the IAA Transportation trade show in Hannover. Franz explained to Deutsche Presse-Agentur that the heavy vehicle segment is at an earlier stage of electrification compared to passenger cars. He noted that the European manufacturers still dominate a large part of the global market, while Chinese manufacturers, particularly in China, are rapidly gaining ground.

Franz emphasized that the transition to electric heavy-duty vehicles could change the current landscape. Technology and value creation play a fundamental role in this shift. The value chain for batteries is almost entirely Chinese, but Franz stressed that he would never underestimate European engineering. Vehicles must be designed to meet local customer needs, which cannot be learned overnight by a market newcomer.

Additionally, a functioning dealer and service network is crucial for a trucking company's survival. Newcomers will find it challenging to establish themselves in the conservative European market. Franz stated that Mahle, with about 20% of its revenue coming from heavy vehicle business, is a global company that does business with all major heavy vehicle manufacturers worldwide.

Intense competition with Chinese suppliers is one of the most significant areas where Mahle is currently operating. The company generates around double the revenue per electric heavy-duty vehicle compared to a combustion engine vehicle, and if battery electric trucks or fuel cell vehicles become more prevalent in the next decade, Mahle's revenue potential per vehicle could increase significantly.

Despite a decline in Mahle's revenue to around 11.26 billion euros in 2025 and a drop in net income to 20 million euros, the company has recorded three consecutive years of profit after several years of losses. Mahle has implemented several cost-cutting programs in recent years, resulting in significant layoffs.