Automotive industry experts have recently shared a detailed outlook on the strategic partnerships shaping the “automotive universe” of 2025.
This visualisation, based on the work of Felipe Munoz, Senior Analyst at JATO Dynamics, reflects the interconnectedness of 119 automotive groups and 217 brands through alliances, joint ventures, and collaborations.
“Most major manufacturers are connected, with a few exceptions like Tesla and some minor Chinese players,” he notes, while highlighting the relative independence of actors such as BYD, Hyundai, and Tata Group.
Among its aims, this ecosystem seeks to adapt to global demands for sustainability, energy efficiency, and the transition towards electrification.
The visual map created by Munoz illustrates how the industry’s “planets” represent the sales volumes achieved by each group in the first half of 2024.
It emphasises the significance of giants such as Toyota, Volkswagen, and Stellantis in the global market.
What is the objective?
The consolidation of alliances among major automotive players not only aims to strengthen positions but is also a response to the growing demand for sustainable and zero-emission mobility.
In this regard, Raúl Moreno, an electromobility consultant, states: “Strategic connections are essential for maximising resources and adapting to the challenges of sustainability, autonomy, and efficiency.”
In Europe, for instance, alliances such as IONITY, formed by BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, have facilitated the creation of an ultra-fast charging network operating in 24 countries.
This project stands out for its ability to support long-distance travel with electric vehicles, a key factor in widespread adoption.
Other notable collaborations include the partnership between IVECO and Enel X, which drives the electrification of industrial transport.
Additionally, the European Battery Alliance (EBA), which brings together over 120 industrial actors, aims to strengthen battery manufacturing within the region.
These initiatives not only promote interoperability but also address the dependence on external suppliers.
The push towards electrification is part of a paradigm shift driven by consumer behaviour and technological advancements.
As Nuno Rosa Garoupa, Manager at MobiGreen Spain, explains, the automotive industry is evolving towards a sustainable model that encompasses electric cars, continuous connectivity, shared mobility, and new business models.
Felipe Munoz’s chart reinforces this outlook, showing that the highest sales volumes belong to manufacturers with robust collaborative strategies.
Nevertheless, it also highlights gaps in the integration of certain players, such as Tesla, whose independence raises questions about the sustainability of isolated models.
With more than 1,500 models on the market, the challenge is to ensure that these connections not only optimise resources but also promote sustainability across the entire value chain.
The automotive industry is advancing towards a future where electrification and collaboration will be the cornerstones of its transformation.
Independent players in an interconnected market
Despite this trend towards alliances and collaborations, some significant players in the automotive sector, such as Tesla and certain Chinese manufacturers, continue to remain on the periphery of mass collaborations.
Elon Musk’s company, known for its vertical approach, has opted to develop its own infrastructure and technology without relying on other manufacturers.
BYD, another giant in the electric vehicle market, is also reluctant to engage in extensive collaborations, focusing on its internal production capabilities and its supply chain within China.
According to Rosa Garoupa, this positioning reflects the strategy of these manufacturers to control all aspects of their production.
This approach not only reinforces their independence but also allows for greater flexibility in the development and adaptation of electrification technologies without depending on third parties.
What are the prospects for 2025?
Munoz’s visualisation and experts’ statements indicate that the future of the automotive industry is inextricably linked to cooperation.
Alliances and joint ventures not only allow manufacturers to tackle the high costs of technological development but also facilitate compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
Thus, traditional competition has given way to an environment of strategic cooperation.
