The VDA Mobility Innovation Summit will once again bring together leading figures from industry, politics, and science in Berlin on March 26 and 27, 2026. The summit offers a cross-sector platform for groundbreaking ideas and innovations. This year, a special focus will be placed on the digital future topics of software-defined vehicles, AI in product development, cybersecurity, and automated and autonomous driving. The event will be opened by the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Public Sector Modernization, Dr. Karsten Wildberger. Following the opening, more than 50 speakers will discuss the latest technological trends in the industry in ten different panels.

"The innovative strength of our companies is unique, and the determination in driving forward climate-neutral and digital transformation is remarkable. This will be experienced firsthand over the next two days in the many high-caliber panels and keynote speeches," VDA President Hildegard Müller said in her welcoming address to the participants.

Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Public Sector Modernization, emphasizes: "Artificial intelligence will fundamentally transform the automotive industry – from development and production to autonomous driving. German automakers are among the world leaders in this field – and we intend to keep it that way. To that end, we want to strengthen our innovative companies: more freedom for new ideas, less bureaucracy. In Brussels, we are advocating for practical regulations, and in Berlin, we are putting an end to gold-plating, i.e., exceeding European requirements. This is the only way to secure technological leadership and competitiveness in Germany. I am therefore looking forward to the discussions at the Mobility Innovation Summit – about how we can jointly position Germany for a strong future in the field of AI."

Dr. Rolf-Dieter Jungk, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, emphasizes: "Climate-neutral mobility needs batteries. They are a differentiating factor and a driver of added value. We want this added value to be created here in Germany. That's why battery technologies are an important component of Germany's High-Tech Agenda. The High-Tech Agenda is clearly focused on value creation. It secures and creates added value in Germany, and it is a participatory agenda: Roadmaps are being developed along the lines of climate-neutral mobility and five other key technologies – binding, transparent, for everyone, and with a clear distribution of roles. In this way, smart ideas from research lead to competitive added value and prosperity. And innovations reach the road faster."

VDA calls for policies that are friendly to innovation and investment

"The automotive industry sets global standards with its innovative strength. But that alone is not enough to generate further growth and prosperity in Germany. The future can only be created where technological innovations and new ideas are not only invented but also implemented. For German automotive companies to continue demonstrating their technological leadership in Germany, they primarily need the right framework conditions and policies that are conducive to innovation and investment. However, we are currently witnessing that the lack of competitiveness in Germany is the biggest challenge for companies and is already leading to relocations. Therefore, it is crucial that the resilience and competitiveness of Germany as a business location be strengthened – this is the decisive lever. As the German automotive industry, we have repeatedly demonstrated our strength, adaptability, and innovative capacity. Now Berlin and Brussels must prove themselves and put everything on the agenda that enables prosperity, growth, and innovation – as we are experiencing here at the Mobility Innovation Summit," Müller emphasized.

"Especially in the digital sector, there is sometimes a lack of practical implementation of legal requirements. Above all, policymakers must avoid duplicate regulations and create incentives that enable new innovations, facilitate practical application, and thus generate economic growth and jobs. One thing is clear: we need far more courage, openness, and opportunities for innovation at all levels of government and society."

One example is autonomous driving. "German manufacturers and suppliers are at the forefront of the global competition for the development of this key technology. However, in order for us to soon see autonomous vehicles in regular operation on Germany's roads, we need practical testing, trial, and approval regulations. Equally crucial is the expansion of the digital infrastructure to establish autonomous vehicles," the VDA President said.

In view of the increasing digitalization of vehicles, cybersecurity is also a key focus on the agenda of the Mobility Innovation Summit. VDA Managing Director Dr. Marcus Bollig said at the opening: "With increasing connectivity, the demands on robust security architectures also rise. For example, over-the-air updates and vehicle-to-X communication require high-performance encryption and authentication methods as well as continuous monitoring systems that detect and defend against potential attacks at an early stage. As an industry, we rely on international standards here to ensure security and trust in the long term."

In addition to keynotes and panels, this year's VDA Mobility Innovation Summit also offers opportunities for in-depth, interactive workshops, personal discussions, and networking with key stakeholders across the entire value chain. The popular networking event "MINS Night" will also return.