What challenges does ARADEX face and how can the political framework be changed to meet these challenges? This was reason enough for Dr. Inge Gräßle, member of the Bundestag for the Schwäbisch Gmünd/Backnang constituency, to visit ARADEX.
The discussion group was completed by Marita Funk, Mayor of the city of Lorch, Dr. Stefan Hellfeld (CEO ARADEX), Thomas Vetter (Head of Marketing and Co-Founder, ARADEX) and Marcel Nasser (Marketing Coordinator ARADEX).
“How is the cooperation with the Chinese parent company WEICHAI going?” was one of Dr. Inge Gräßle’s first questions. First of all, this is a cooperation at all levels, at management level and in individual teams dedicated to projects or product development, explained Dr. Stefan Hellfeld. Both sides learn from each other and complement each other. ‘In Lorch, we can also work independently,’ added Thomas Vetter. “It’s impressive how quickly WEICHAI is moving forward,” added Dr. Stefan Hellfeld, emphasizing the different approaches of the respective cultures. This speed helps us to learn how to get out of our comfort zone. At the same time, ARADEX’s structured approach to new projects is: ”Let’s work out a plan for the project!”
Another concern of Dr. Inge Gräßle: “How do we get the young people involved?” She notes that interest in politics is only awakened in families where parents deal with political issues. How social media is used is also based on the behavior of parents. Lever should also be set in education policy. “It cannot be that universities are evaluated solely on the number of students, but above all on content and courses,” said Thomas Vetter. In this way, courses such as mechatronics could become more interesting again.
Dr. Stefan Hellfeld then presented the possibilities offered by software for the electrification of drives and emphasized the technological diversity of ARADEX: “We have a wide range of solutions available, depending on the application and requirements of our customers. Which drive concept is suitable for which application?”
In order to promote electric mobility, the political framework could be changed by formulating clear guidelines and goals. A positive example is Norway. In order to reduce emissions, classic combustion engines are no longer allowed to drive into the country’s capital, and there are also clear regulations regarding shipping in the fjords.
One approach for Dr. Stefan Hellfeld would also be to provide state funding for electric mobility in the commercial vehicle sector. This support could provide new impetus and drive the transformation to renewable energies.
