Interim management for the automotive industry

Temporary leadership expertise for OEMs, suppliers, and mobility service providers

Why interim management in the automotive sector?

The automotive industry is facing unprecedented pressure to transform: electrification, supply chain volatility, cost pressure, raw material shortages, and the shift to new mobility concepts require managers who can achieve improvements quickly.

Interim managers bring proven solutions from global automotive crises – without any training period. They stabilize critical operations, accelerate technological change, and modernize established structures. External automotive expertise pays off, especially when it comes to supply chain stabilization, production conversion, or the reorganization of functions.

Führungsteam aus vier Personen beim Betreten eines Gebäudes

XQI Partners

All XQI Partners

Looking for a Interim Manager? Our Partners will find the optimal solution for you – tailored, fast and discreet.

Holger Rosemann

Managing Partner, Düsseldorf

Tapani Hänninen

Managing Partner, München

Robert Butz

Managing Partner, München

Georg Larch

Managing Partner, München

York von Massenbach

Managing Partner, München

Ilka Herzog

Managing Partner, Düsseldorf

Stephan Franken

Managing Partner, Düsseldorf

Dirk Niederberghaus

Managing Partner, Düsseldorf
All XQI Partners

Two Interim Partner, double success

“This transformation didn’t just save us—it made us future-ready. By standardizing e-component production and systematically improving quality at our overseas plant, we’ve created processes that give us a decisive edge in the race for electromobility. What makes us particularly proud is the combination of efficiency and sustainability—this is true innovation in action.”

A major automotive family enterprise
View case study

What you can count on

  • In-depth automotive expertise
    Interim managers with automotive industry DNA: We understand the power dynamics between OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and confidently navigate the specific requirements in terms of quality, complexity and process speed.

  • Financial stability & transparency
    Focus on immediate results: Creating absolute cost transparency, rigorous cash management, and implementing sustainable cost reduction programs to secure liquidity and the ability to act.

  • Commercial assertiveness
    Active renegotiation management: We enforce justified price adjustments (inflation/materials) with customers, ensure consistent billing of outstanding tooling costs, and tap into new sources of revenue through targeted acquisition.

  • Quality & compliance assurance
    Ensuring OEM standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and professional complaint management. We stabilize supplier processes and ensure audit security to protect your delivery capability and customer ratings.

Your leaders for success

We place experienced interim managers who can make an immediate impact in the automotive industry – with clear goals and measurable results:

  • Crisis managers with strong implementation skills: Stabilize supply chain disruptions, capacity bottlenecks, and production disruptions – turning challenges into operational excellence.

  • Strategic thought leaders for the future: Realign manufacturing structures and product portfolios – for an electrified future and software-defined vehicles.

  • Industry experts with practical knowledge: Understand the regulatory, technological, and commercial requirements of the automotive industry – without any training period.

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Areas of application for interim management

Interim executives in the automotive industry act as catalysts for change—they bring expertise, experience, and implementation skills exactly where they are needed:

1. Production management & operational excellence

  • Taking over plant management to stabilize the situation during personnel changes or production crises.

  • Implementing automotive production systems (APS) and continuous improvement.

  • Optimizing cycle times, output, and quality rates under OEM pressure.

2. Supply Chain & Supplier Management

  • Reorganizing volatile supply chains and diversifying critical raw material sources.

  • Building supplier networks for battery components and new technologies.

  • Implementation of supply chain visibility and early risk detection.

3. Electrification & Technology Transition

  • Management of production transitions to electric drives and new manufacturing technologies.

  • Establishment of battery production capacities and technology platforms.

  • Change management for fundamental production architecture changes.

4. Quality, Compliance & OEM Requirements

  • Establishment or restructuring of quality management systems (IATF 16949).

  • Management of complaints, field failures, or supplier process audits.

  • Ensuring regulatory requirements (safety, emissions, recycling).

5. Cost management & profitability

  • Implementation of cost reduction programs – without compromising quality.

  • Optimization of operating costs, investments, and labor capacities.

  • Preparation for sale, refinancing, or strategic partnerships.

6. M&A processes & post-merger integration

  • Strategic preparation and execution of acquisitions or mergers.

  • Integration of companies with different compliance and quality standards.

  • Consolidation of structures and cost optimization after mergers.

7. Digitalization & Software-Defined Vehicles

  • Introduction of AI, predictive maintenance, and digital twins in production and service.

  • Development of software-centric business models (e.g., mobility-as-a-service).

  • Establishment of data platforms for connectivity and autonomous driving.

Why choose us?

  • Experienced automotive experts with proven expertise in crisis management, digitalization, and strategic leadership.

  • Rapid identification and selection of suitable interim managers for your specific requirements.

  • Flexible solutions for bridging vacancies, transformation, or turnaround—ready for immediate action.

About us

Successfully Implemented Automotive Projects

All Case Studies
Automotive

Transformation of the IT Organization: From Firefighting to a Delivery-Capable Business Partner

How an international automotive group transformed its IT from firefighting to a reliable business partner in just 28 months

IT Interim, Start Up & Scale Up
Automotive

Dual Transformation in the Automotive Industry

How an automotive supplier was made future-ready

Interim Plant Manager

We bring automotive expertise to the forefront – for OEMs, suppliers, and mobility service providers.

Rely on our many years of experience and implementation expertise – we provide tailor-made management solutions for your individual project, ensuring operational stability and competitiveness in the transformed automotive industry.

Contact us