What is the shape of future mobility and how can one shape it? This was the topic of the day when Mr. Olaf Henning, Corporate Executive Vice President & General Manager Aftermarket at MAHLE, and his technical assistant Ms. Caroline Gass dropped by HSPF as guests in the classroom.
The “stage” was first taken by Mr Henning who described MAHLE Group’s role as a crucial partner of the international automotive industry, MAHLE Aftermarket’s core competencies and their strategies to adapt to the evolving environment. MAHLE Aftermarket’s competencies comprise of program management, data management, branding, pricing, and logistics Their service-oriented offering focuses on solutions for automobile maintenance and repair as well as services for garages. Offering a wide product portfolio from filtration to thermal management to engine components, they work to ensure the sustainable commercial success of their partners.
In terms of adapting to the changing automotive environment, MAHLE Aftermarket observes technological, political and economic trends and has developed strategies to meet these challenges. Among them digitalization, channel management, and new supply chain are topics in focus.
Particularly, the advent of e-Commerce - although not the only factor - has added complexity to the aftermarket landscape. Ms. Caroline Gass shared about Retromotion, a start-up and online industry platform for the supply of vehicle maintenance products along with logistic fulfilment, of which MAHLE is a shareholder. Other focus avenues to broaden MAHLE Aftermarket’s portfolio are electrification and digitalization.
To generate ideas, MAHLE engages its internal incubator program which involves an exhaustive process from idea call to final pitch to the establishment of a corporate start-up. This program has produced businesses such as Charge Big and Com 4 Kids.
The session was interspersed with Q&A between our 2nd semester MBA students and our guests. It was made quite clear that MAHLE Aftermarket is a dynamic and resilient business that adapts quickly and efficiently to its surroundings. This alludes to an interesting working environment with many interesting projects in store for its employees.
We would like to once again extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Henning and Ms. Gass for making the time and dispensing these insights!

text/photos: Michelle Ahras, Class of 2023