Automotive industry

The automotive industry is constantly changing. Especially with regard to climate protection requirements, the cars of the future will have to fulfil completely new characteristics. Would you like to be part of these developments, have a passion for cars and have an eye on the economic aspects of a mobile future? Then you are well suited for this field of study.

Photo: Sylvia Krieger-Schwartz | Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Nahaufnahme der Vordersitze im Inneren eines Pkw mit grau-schwarzen Lederbezügen. Das Lenkrad ist unscharf zu erkennen.

Overview of the academic discipline

The degree programmes in this field deal specifically with the economic aspects of the automotive and supplier industry. In addition to general business management and legal knowledge, specialised skills for the automotive sector are taught. These include the practice-oriented study of procurement and value creation processes in the automotive industry, utilisation and marketing strategies, brand management and automotive marketing, service management and the management of automotive trade groups. Technical contexts and development trends in the automotive sector are also addressed: E-mobility, autonomous driving, interconnected cars - these are the challenges facing the automotive industry in terms of climate protection, environmental and resource research. The use of AI also plays an important role. 

Which topics are included in the curriculum?

The Bachelor's degree programme teaches scientific and practical basic knowledge in production and logistics, automotive engineering, corporate management, technical purchasing and controlling as well as product management.

Possible modules include automotive marketing and customer relationship management, automotive policy, automotive engineering, procurement, production and logistics, business management basics, digital car world and connected cars, digitalisation and innovations in the automotive and mobility industry, management and control of car dealerships, business models and ecosystems, mobility and sustainability, leasing, risk and financial management, HR management and labour law, accounting, controlling, sales and distribution management, business English, business mathematics and statistics, competition and business law.

What are the requirements?

A fascination for cars is the best foundation. If you are also interested in technical and economic contexts, are communicative, a team player, well organised and assertive, nothing stands in the way of your career.

A good basis for successful studies in this field is knowledge of the following school subjects: Maths, economics/law, English and computer science

What study programmes are there to choose from?

The degree programmes are mainly offered (also dual) at universities of applied sciences. At some universities, it is also possible to specialise in the automotive industry as part of the industrial engineering degree.

What job opportunities are there after graduation?

Graduates are offered various fields of activity in companies in the automotive industry as well as in supplier companies, e.g. in purchasing, procurement, sales, distribution or management.

Stand: 09.07.2025