Tesla has once again secured the top position as the leading future-proof automotive company, maintaining its dominance for the fifth consecutive year. This ranking comes amidst increased competition in the industry as car manufacturers globally invest heavily in technological advancements to meet evolving market demands. The latest edition of IMD Business School’s Future Readiness Indicator report evaluated 68 “top revenue-generating” players across automotive, finance, and consumer goods sectors based on their ability to anticipate future challenges while mitigating present risks.
Despite facing challenges, Tesla’s performance stood out, with the report highlighting its growth in revenue and profitability. While the company experienced a 24% decrease in net profit during the first quarter due to price reductions, its total revenue surged by 24% to over $23.3 billion. This marked Tesla’s 15th consecutive profitable quarter and its sixth consecutive three-month period with over $2 billion in profit.
BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, climbed three spots to secure second place, while Germany’s Volkswagen and South Korea’s Hyundai Motor held onto their third and fourth positions, respectively. The top-ranking companies demonstrated a strong focus on developing in-house expertise, particularly in microchip sets, which enhanced their capabilities and profile. These leading companies have shifted towards direct engagement with chip makers and internal chip design rather than relying solely on suppliers or sub-suppliers for semiconductors.
The report emphasized the unpredictable nature of chip demand in the future, with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advancements in 5G and 6G mobile network standards playing significant roles. Completing the top 10 positions were Ford Motor, XPeng, Li Auto, Mercedes-Benz Group, General Motors, and Toyota.
In addition to technological advancements, successful car manufacturers have realigned and streamlined their strategies to thrive in the evolving landscape. Howard Yu, director of the IMD Centre for Future Readiness, emphasized the need for a shift in leadership background, power dynamics among senior executives, and creating an environment that attracts new talent. These factors distinguish the winners from the laggards in the industry.
