The European automotive industry is under massive pressure — falling demand, shifting relations with the U.S. and strong competition from China. But what if that pressure is the perfect driver for transformation? In this episode, Frank Göller outlines why Europe still has what it takes to lead — from reinventing its production mindset and betting big on electrification to mastering AI.

Highlights we covered with Frank:

• The current challenges of Europe's car industry “Europe’s ambition must be to stay relevant. And I’m convinced we can. We’ve done it before.”

• Why legacy is a liability — and an opportunity
  “Car companies in Europe can’t hide behind legacy anymore. The pressure to transform is massive — and that’s a good thing.”

• EV adoption myths vs. reality
  “The sweet spot between charging speed and range is finally here. EVs are about to become irresistible.”

• AI in car production & sales forecasting
  “AI won’t run the entire factory, but it will decide what gets made, when, and how fast.”

The Optimist is presented by TECH by Handelsblatt Media Group and independent from the Handelsblatt editorial team. With the Technology Experience Convention Heilbronn (TECH), Handelsblatt Media Group, Handelsblatt and Schwarz Digits are creating a strategic platform to strengthen the European tech ecosystem. TECH‘s mission is to establish a „cluster of optimism“, connecting Europe’s most influential leaders across technology, industry, politics, and academia. More at tech-europe.org