Study: Auto industry still has the greatest need for restructuring and transformation
Image: VW (illustrative)
The German economy is in a phase of persistent structural weakness, with pressure on companies continuing to rise. This is shown by the new restructuring study by Roland Berger’s consultants, which surveyed 130 experts from German-speaking regions.
Just over two-thirds of the surveyed restructuring experts expect little change in economic performance over the next twelve months, while another 29 percent anticipate a decline in GDP. Six percent expect growth.
The challenges are diverse: 65 percent of respondents cite bureaucracy and regulation as a significant risk to the German economy. Energy prices and supply security follow with 53 percent — an increase of 22 percentage points compared to the previous year. 51 percent each regard geopolitical tensions and technological change as major threats. At the same time, more than half of experts believe German companies are poorly prepared for another economic downturn, with only 8 percent considering them well prepared.
Restructuring pressure rises, auto industry remains particularly challenged
The tense situation is immediately reflected in restructuring efforts: 83 percent of practitioners report an increase in cases. 21 percent observe a sharp rise—more than double that of the previous year. At the same time, 61 percent say restructuring processes take longer, 56 percent note more complex financing structures, and 42 percent see more intricate stakeholder relationships. This makes reaching consensus-based solutions more difficult, slower, and more capital-intensive.
“In a phase of persistent stagnation, simply holding on is no longer enough,” says Alexander Müller, Senior Partner at Roland Berger. “Companies must take the step toward consistent adaptation and use urgent crisis management as a starting point for the necessary structural renewal.”
At 87 percent, the automotive industry still has the greatest need for restructuring and transformation according to experts, followed by machinery and equipment manufacturing at 54 percent. The pressure to act is particularly high in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and hospitals at 26 percent, as well as in the chemical industry at 31 percent. Transactional reforms are also gaining importance: 72 percent expect a moderate or strong increase in sales and other structural solutions.
Robust business and liquidity planning remains the most important factor for success at 61 percent. An ambitious yet realistic action plan and targeted communication with stakeholders have gained significant importance: both increased by 11 percentage points compared to the previous year, reaching 38 percent and 32 percent respectively. According to the consultants, mere crisis diagnosis is no longer sufficient — speed, communication, and consistent implementation are crucial.
AI accelerates processes, but humans retain responsibility
Artificial intelligence (AI) opens up new possibilities for making restructuring processes more efficient. 89 percent see the greatest potential for support in data analysis, while 60 percent see it in research. 74 percent expect faster diagnosis and implementation through AI, and 65 percent expect lower process costs. However, only 4 percent currently expect a higher success rate in implementation — because judgment, trust, negotiation, and leadership remain human tasks.
The actual adoption remains limited: No respondent sees AI already widely integrated into restructuring processes. 45 percent report individual pilot projects, 26 percent mention initial discussions, and another 26 percent refer to established applications in specific areas. Experts set clear guidelines for its use: 56 percent demand proven high quality, 50 percent require the highest level of data security and confidentiality, and 49 percent call for full transparency.
"AI changes the work of restructuring experts, not their responsibilities," says Adrian Pielken, Senior Partner at Roland Berger. "It can analyze data more quickly and automate routines. Companies and consultants must use this freedom to focus on communication, stakeholder management, and implementation."
For 89 percent, humans will remain clearly in the leadership role going forward. 71 percent prefer a division of labor where AI provides data and automates routine tasks, while humans make decisions. The study thus sees itself as a wake-up call: Those who control AI now and integrate it transparently and systematically will gain time, experience, and room for action — in an environment where waiting is no longer an option, according to the consultants.
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions on ecomento.de. Learn more.
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