Volks Case
Volks Case
Volks Case
Q1: Landscape of Today's (the Era from the Case) Global Automobile Industry and VW Group's
Development
The global automobile industry during the era described in the case was undergoing significant
transformation driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and
stricter environmental regulations. Companies were shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs),
autonomous driving, and new mobility services. The competitive landscape was increasingly defined
by the ability to innovate and adapt to these emerging trends.
The Volkswagen (VW) Group, founded in 1937, initially focused on economical vehicles for the mass
market. Over the years, VW expanded through strategic acquisitions, including brands like Audi, SEAT,
Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche. By 2018, VW had become one of the world's leading
automotive groups, boasting a diverse portfolio of 12 brands and operations in 153 countries. VW's
growth was marked by its ability to integrate new technologies and adapt to market demands,
making it the world’s top-selling vehicle manufacturer by sales volume for five consecutive years.
The VW Group's Together Strategy 2025, announced in mid-2016, aimed to transform the company
into a "world-leading provider of sustainable mobility." This strategy represented the most significant
change process in the company’s history, driven by a need to respond to industry disruptions. The
strategy focused on four key building blocks:
1. Transform Core Business: Restructure the core automotive business, emphasizing electric vehicles
and autonomous driving systems.
2. Build Mobility Solutions Business: Establish a new mobility solutions business to capitalize on
growing demand for smart, sustainable transport options.
3. Strengthen Innovation Power: Enhance digital transformation and R&D efforts to maintain
competitive advantages in technology and innovation.
4. Secure Funding: Improve operational efficiency and optimize the business portfolio to finance the
company’s future investments.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can sense their environment, think, learn,
and take action based on their objectives. AI can be applied in various forms, such as robotic process
automation, machine learning, and natural language processing.
In the context of the VW Group’s Together Strategy 2025, AI was positioned as a critical enabler for
the company’s transformation. VW established Data:Lab Munich to focus on AI research and its
applications in automotive data science, production automation, and customer service. AI was
expected to enhance efficiency, support decision-making, and drive innovation, playing a pivotal role
in the company’s evolution towards sustainable mobility solutions.
When assessing and prioritizing AI-themed initiatives, the VW Group should consider the following
criteria:
1. Alignment with Strategic Objectives: Initiatives should support the goals outlined in the Together
Strategy 2025, particularly in areas like electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and mobility solutions.
2. Innovation Potential: The initiative’s ability to drive innovation and maintain VW’s competitive
edge in technology.
3. Scalability and Flexibility: The potential for the initiative to be scaled across different markets and
adapted to future technological advancements.
4. Return on Investment (ROI): Expected financial returns relative to the required investment,
ensuring that the initiative contributes to VW’s financial goals.
5. Risk Management: Assessment of potential risks associated with the initiative and the
development of mitigation strategies.
6. Customer Impact: The initiative’s potential to enhance the customer experience, thus driving
customer loyalty and brand strength.