Another notable area of industrial expertise is Potsdam's young automotive branch, which is being built up at the moment. This branch promises new avenues of growth and has interesting links to other peripheral and intersecting disciplines such as design and IT. Although automobiles are not actually built in Potsdam, they are "conceived" here, for example in the Volkswagen (VW) design center, where new concepts, design studies and even new serial models are developed. From the first drawing board sketch to three-dimensional computer illustrations issuing in an actual new model, the theoretical studies conducted at VW lead to future automobile designs. Computer expertise from Potsdam's IT companies contributes to the automotive industry as well by providing software solutions. These companies also lend support with their scientific know-how in the areas of optical measuring and control systems.
Potsdam's good surrounding structures and support conditions make it an attractive location for companies from this branch. The region's universities and colleges provide the automotive industry with well-trained skilled workers. The Potsdam College of Applied Sciences produces first-class designers with an eye to practical application, and the Hasso-Plattner-Institute supplies the branch with universal software specialists. Well-known production sites, such as the Mercedes Benz Works in Ludwigsfelde or the BMW Works in Berlin, are located in close proximity to Potsdam. The initial establishment of other industrial sites can also be seen in the area. For example, one supplier, Erhard Automotive, has chosen to set up a production and training site here in Potsdam.
Links
» Funding: Zukunftsagentur Brandenburg (ZAB)
» Commercial Space: Technology and Start-Up Center (TGZP)
Institutions
» Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Softwaresystemtechnik (HPI)
» Fachhochschule Potsdam | Fachbereich Design
Network
» Automotive Berlin-Brandenburg
