Automotive Consulting

Driving the mobility of tomorrow

Electrification and software-defined vehicles are rewriting the automotive playbook, and the business models behind it. Players adapt at very different speeds. We help OEMs and suppliers turn disruption into the competitive edge that wins.

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Volkswagen Logo
Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze Logo
Schaeffler Logo
Porsche Logo
Palfinger Logo
Mubea Logo
Geely Logo
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Continental Logo
Volvo Logo
Volkswagen Logo
Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze Logo
Schaeffler Logo
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Palfinger Logo
Mubea Logo
Geely Logo
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THE AUTOMOTIVE TRANSFORMATION

SOFTWARE DEFINES, TRANSFORMATION DECIDES

The automotive playbook is being rewritten. Software defines the vehicle, new Asian players reshuffle the balance of power, supply chains are tested for resilience and Europe pushes for circularity. Legacy business models, portfolios and strategies no longer deliver. Winners transform across strategy, products and business models.

Strategic paths:

TransformedLegacy model
Your Industry Lead
Albert Neumann

Albert Neumann

Partner

Defending the old model is the most expensive strategy in automotive. Transformation has become the core business.

Get in touch

ONE SECTOR FOUR FORCES

Each pressure alone is manageable. Together, they redraw the playbook.

1

Performance under pressure

  • Profitability is declining across the sector
  • Cost and revenue structures no longer keep pace
  • Countermeasures can no longer wait
2

Technology shift

  • Electrification changes products, platforms, and margins
  • Software defines the vehicle and the value pools
  • Legacy portfolios no longer deliver
3

Regulation and risk

  • Compliance requirements keep mounting
  • Cyber security regulation raises the bar year on year
  • Product and data rules tighten across markets
4

Geopolitics and resilience

  • Trade conflicts and tariffs reshape global footprints
  • Supply chains are tested for resilience
  • New players shift the balance of power

DELIVERING MEASURABLE RESULTS

Our ambition is to make automotive mobility sustainable, from a competitive and a societal perspective. We believe in a successful future for European automotive players, building on deep industry experience to turn ambition into tangible strategy and measurable impact.
350+
projects delivered
200+
trusting clients
26+
automotive experts on the team

CLIENT IMPACT THAT MATTERS

Christian Wallstabe

In global competition, we must continuously increase our efficiency and speed. Together with H&Z, we have reorganised our order and implementation process to meet this challenge. The established methodology, proven expertise in the automotive sector and pragmatic approach of the H&Z team were the factors that made the difference for us.

Wallstabe & Schneider
Christian Wallstabe
CEO
Wallstabe & Schneider
OUR SERVICES

HOW WE IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE

We connect strategy with execution across four areas, one answer to each force that is redrawing the automotive playbook.

01

Performance improvement

Sustainable profitability through excellence in operations, cost, and sales.

  • Cost excellence across functions, processes, and technology
  • Sales performance and steering toward profitable growth
  • Lean operating models with pragmatic execution
02

IT, digital and AI

Technology as a performance lever in the software-defined, electric vehicle era.

  • IT and software investments aligned to strategy
  • AI moved from pilot to measurable impact
  • Digital capabilities built into core processes
03

Governance, risk and compliance

Compliant business and operating models, from cyber security to reporting.

  • Cyber compliance embedded in products and processes
  • Risk and control by design
  • Regulation turned into momentum, not overhead
04

Supply chain resilience

Robust supply chains and footprints in a volatile geopolitical environment.

  • Supplier networks stress-tested and diversified
  • Footprint balanced against tariff and trade risk
  • Resilience as a steering dimension of the business

REAL WORK REAL OUTCOMES

Results do not come from concepts. They come from execution.

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Success Story
 

Within three months, H&Z and an automotive supplier identified and implemented SG&A levers, reducing overhead costs and boosting profitability across global functions.

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Success Story
 

Partnering with H&Z, a network engineering firm revamped its commercial fleet, achieving significant EBITDA growth and operational efficiency.

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Success Story
 

H&Z provides a detailed analysis of a European battery start-up, assessing technical risks and opportunities to guide investment strategies effectively.

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Success Story
 

H&Z drives the strategic setup for a lithium-ion battery gigafactory, addressing market challenges and crafting a robust execution plan.

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Success Story
 

Discover how the automotive sector enhances performance and agility through the effective implementation of the OKR methodology for strategic growth.

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TRACKING TRENDS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Our Automotive Pulse Check gives a precise, data-driven view of competitiveness and transformation across the industry.

  • Which trends are emerging and where they bite
  • How automotive deciders in Europe and beyond really feel
  • Which levers actually move competitiveness
See the industry trends

OUR LATEST INSIGHTS ON AUTOMOTIVE

Fresh perspectives on the trends, technologies and shifts reshaping automotive, built on real programmes, not forecasts.
All H&Z insights
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Ondemand
07.07.2026
 | Webinar

This webinar shows automotive suppliers how to optimize the RFQ-to-SOP process through smarter operations, AI-driven decision-making, and best practices to boost speed, competitive

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Pulse Check
15.12.2025

Automotive industry sentiment H2/2025: rising cost pressure, fading optimism and clear priorities around profitability, technology and resilience.

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Ondemand
28.11.2025
 | Ondemand

Watch the full recording anytime and gain practical guidance on how to make your organisation both profitable and future-ready.

MASTERING STRATEGIC CHALLENGES

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR EXPERT

For tailored advice and insights, our expert is available to support you with strategic and operational guidance.

With head, heart, and hand, from strategy to implementation.

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Albert Neumann

Partner
Dr. Albert Neumann is a Partner at H&Z and an expert in the automotive industry, focusing on corporate strategy, R&D, and integrating sustainability through digitalisation and circular economy approaches​.