On a recent guest in class lecture at Pforzheim University, Mr. Andreas Beihofer (Director Global Product Groups, Devision Aftermarket) and Ms. Caroline Gass (Technical Assistant to the Corporate Executive Vice President and General Manager Aftermarket) from MAHLE provided a comprehensive overview of the company and the current trends in the aftermarket industry. They also discussed the company's approach to digitalization and electrification, as well as its product and digital strategies.
MAHLE is a globally renowned supplier to the automotive industry with a focus on combustion engines, electrification, and air conditioning technology. With over 70,000 employees and a presence in over 30 countries, the company is committed to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
The speakers began by discussing the current trends in the aftermarket industry, highlighting the importance of eCommerce and a multi-channel strategy for reaching customers. They emphasized the need to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences, including the growing demand for electric vehicles.
MAHLE's approach to electrification was a key focus of the discussion, as the company is working to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry. Caroline Gass and Andreas Beihofer highlighted the importance of developing new products and services that support electrification, such as battery cooling systems and electric compressors.
The company's digital strategy was also a point of emphasis, with the guests in classroom discussing the importance of digitalization in all areas of the business. They discussed the role of data and analytics in improving operations and decision-making, as well as the need for a strong digital presence to reach customers.
Ms. Gass and Mr. Beihofer also addressed the career opportunities available to MBA students at MAHLE, highlighting the company's commitment to employee development and growth. They emphasized the importance of finding the right fit between the company and the individual and encouraged students to explore opportunities in areas such as product strategy, digitization, and digital strategy. The students were especially excited about the MAHLE Incubator Program which is an initiative by the MAHLE Group to support startups and innovative ideas in the areas of mobility, energy, and sustainability. It provides selected startups with mentoring, resources, and funding to help bring their ideas to fruition.
In addition to discussing the company's approach to business, the speakers also addressed the challenges facing today's businesses. They emphasized the need to be agile and adaptable in the face of changing market conditions and highlighted the importance of sustainability and ethical business practices.
Overall, the “Guest in Classroom” lecture provided valuable insights into MAHLE and the current trends and challenges in the automotive industry. Ms. Gass and Mr. Beihofer's emphasis on digitalization and electrification, as well as their commitment to sustainability and employee development, make MAHLE an exciting and innovative company for MBA students to consider as they prepare for their future careers.

Text and photo: Sourabh Jagtap, Class of 2024