Industry Challenge
Europe’s automotive sector is at a turning point. Traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle sales are in steep decline, while the transition to fully electric mobility is still finding its feet. This is intensified by the aggressive new competition from China. For automakers, this means balancing two critical priorities:
- Maximizing Existing Investments: How to reuse hundreds of legacy machines built for combustion drivetrains, many of which are yet to be fully amortized?
- Enabling the Future: How to invest in new, EV-focused production systems capable of supporting a new era of vehicles, under severe price pressures and market uncertainty?
Competitive Benchmarks: How Leading Suppliers Respond
The major global machine tool players are all adapting.
- Major retooling contracts for European OEMs, providing modular, automation-ready retrofits. The projects have helped reduce payback periods on new investments to under 9 months.
- Green technology retrofits and precision-upgrade projects aimed at helping factories lower both carbon output and costs, while flexing for mixed drivetrain production.
- Strong emphasis on advanced CNC, with retrofit/remanufacturing solutions and “universal” installations adapted for both ICE and EV component lines.
Impact for Europe’s Auto Industry
- Maximise ROI on existing machining and automation investments
- Bridge the transition—keep lines running as you ramp up new-mobility capacity
- Maintain jobs & competitiveness across European facilities
The BFW Solution
BFW, a trusted partner to leading Asian and European manufacturers, addresses this challenge with a two-pronged strategy:
- Turnkey Machining Solutions: BFW delivers a highly competitive range of turnkey machining systems, expertly tooled and configured to the unique needs of today’s automakers – whether for combustion, electric, or hybrid vehicles.
- Re-Tooling & Asset Reconfiguration: Recognising the value locked in existing assets, BFW Europe spearheads retooling initiatives – transforming existing production machines (including those from other brands) for new use cases.
Over the past two years, more than 50 machines have been reconfigured, helping manufacturers:
- Extend the lifecycle of previous investments.
- Adapt to changing production needs.
- Maintain global competitiveness with a balanced approach between new investment and productivity.
As the automotive world moves to electrification and new forms of mobility, BFW Europe is a proven strategic partner, bridging the gap between yesterday’s production and tomorrow’s opportunity through standout retooling and smart system integration. Learn how BFW can help your manufacturing adapt and thrive: https://bfweurope.com/contact-us/
