The brisk innovation activity in the industry is supported by the presence of renowned research institutes, in particular in the areas of production engineering or transport carrier technologies. Other research institutions in Niedersachsen focus on mobility in terms of telematics. Among them is the Institut für Verkehrswirtschaft, Straßenwesen und Städtebau (institute for transport, road engineering and urban development) at the Universität Hannover. Thanks to the high intensity of its research Niedersachsen is able to offer an attractive environment to companies in the mobility sector.

As an important exchange platform for science and economy, the IAA Commercial Vehicles - the International Motor Show – opens its gates every two years in Hanover. The visitors are introduced to current developments and the latest attractions in the industry. But attractions such as the Autostadt Wolfsburg are also sure to lure many car aficionados to Niedersachsen.

Motor for Niedersachsen

A view in the statistics shows just how much significance the automotive sector has for the state’s economy: With a share of 28 percent in the manufacturing industry the automotive business is the most important industrial sector in the state. Three quarters of the employees work in the manufacture of motor vehicles and engines. In total 145,000 people in Niedersachsen work in the automotive business. The share in the total employment in Niedersachsen is 6.3 percent – nearly double as much as the federal average.

The potential of the suppliers, research facilities and technology centres is the guarantor for Niedersachsen’s competence in the area of traffic engineering, which is located primarily in Braunschweig, Salzgitter and Wolfsburg.