University of St. Gallen establishes "auto-schweiz Chair for Mobility"

The establishment of the research facility aims to scientifically explore and accompany key topics such as the transformation of the automotive industry and the mobility of the future. The creation of the "auto-schweiz Chair for Mobility" is made possible by a generous funding contribution of 2.68 million Swiss francs from the Association of Swiss Car Importers to the University of St.Gallen's foundation. The cooperation agreement is set for a duration of eight years.

Facing Challenges through Research

The automotive industry worldwide faces major challenges and is in the midst of the largest transformation process in its over one hundred-year history. Megatrends such as digitalization, electrification, or automation offer enormous potential for future business models but also pose risks for established structures, for instance, in vehicle sales or mobility.

With a grant totaling 2,680,000 Swiss francs, auto-schweiz aims to enable comprehensive scientific accompaniment of these topics through the University of St.Gallen (HSG). The "auto-schweiz Chair for Mobility" created with the grant is to be established promptly and filled through a recruitment process.

"The HSG is one of the most advanced and innovative business universities in Europe," states auto-schweiz President Peter Grünenfelder. "At the same time, the automotive industry is the driving force of the economy and invests billions each year in research and development of new technologies, driven by an unwavering belief in the future. Our collaboration and the exploration of future topics by HSG are thus only logical. With the new auto-schweiz Chair for Mobility, automobility, as one of Switzerland's most significant economic sectors, receives a solid scientific accompaniment in tackling today’s and future challenges."

Future-Oriented Solutions in Focus

Through the partnership, auto-schweiz enables the University of St.Gallen (HSG) to build additional capacities and expertise in the field of mobility management, where important future issues arise. The chair includes an assistant position and a secretarial position (100% and 50% employment, respectively).

"We are very grateful to auto-schweiz for supporting us in developing future-oriented solutions for the optimal interaction of all mobility offerings," says Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann, Rector of HSG. The HSG only enters into such partnerships when the freedom of research, teaching, and publication is fully guaranteed at all times. Accordingly, auto-schweiz does not influence the appointment process or the content work at the newly established chair.