Webasto is consistently aligning its business with future industry trends and has been investing heavily in tomorrow’s mobility solutions for years. The automotive supplier is now additionally receiving subsidies from the Free State of Bavaria to develop innovative roof and heating systems. During a visit to the company’s headquarters, Bavaria’s Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, presented Holger Engelmann, Chairman of the Management Board of Webasto SE, with two certificates representing a total of six million euro in funding.
On the occasion of the meeting Holger Engelmann explained: “Despite the coronavirus crisis, we continued pursuing our transformation course last year and will continue investing heavily in driving Webasto forwards over coming years too. We are extremely pleased that the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs is supporting us in realizing our future plans.” Engelmann added that the commitment of the financial resources is very good news for Webasto, especially in these challenging times.
The funding approved by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs will flow into developing a roof system with integrated sensor technology for autonomous driving, and a modular heating platform with particular attention focused on optimizing installation space and weight for electric vehicles. Webasto estimates the cost of these projects to be over 20 million euro, six million of which will be contributed by the Free State of Bavaria.
“Our future prosperity depends on our ability to transform. In a global comparison, both manufacturers and suppliers must stand at the forefront of technology. Webasto shines as an example of the Bavarian automotive industry’s innovative strength. Autonomous driving and e-mobility are core research and development fields. Webasto’s approach to addressing both is exemplary in the automotive sector. It’s with great pleasure that I hand over these subsidies commitments for pioneering projects in these areas,” emphasized Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria’s Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy.
Webasto took the decision over five years ago to not only focus its core business more intensely on the future needs of the automotive industry, but to offer additional electromobility solutions too. Since that time the family-owned company has significantly expanded its competencies – especially in the field of electronics. The investments prioritize the development of car roofs and heating systems for cars, trucks, special vehicles, boats and motorhomes on the one hand, together with technologies and products for electrified vehicles on the other. Since 2015 Webasto has invested more than half a billion euro in electromobility alone. Over coming years, annual investments in the triple-digit millions are planned for further expanding the company’s market position in this new business area.
SOURCE: Webasto
