The automotive industry plays a major role in the global economy, but it’s also facing one of the biggest transformations in its history. New technologies, shifting customer expectations, and increasing pressure to become more sustainable are creating complex challenges for both manufacturers and suppliers.
This is where automotive consulting comes in. Experts in this field help companies rethink their strategies, drive innovation, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what automotive consulting is, what kind of work it involves, and which firms are leading the way.
Automotive consulting is a specialized area of management consulting focused entirely on the automotive industry. Consultants in this field support car manufacturers, suppliers, and mobility providers with key questions around technology, strategy, and future trends.
Typical projects include topics like electric mobility, digital business models, or making production processes more efficient. Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important. Automotive consultants help companies adopt greener technologies, reduce their carbon footprint, and integrate sustainable materials or circular economy practices into their supply chains.
In practice, consultants usually work in project teams and spend a set period of time on-site with the client. They analyze data, talk to employees, and develop practical solutions together with the company. In the end, they deliver clear recommendations, strategies, or action plans that help the business move forward and stay competitive.
Automotive consulting covers a wide range of fascinating and future-focused topics. You might work on anything from developing new vehicle concepts to optimizing global supply chains or building connected mobility services. If you're passionate about technology, business, and innovation and want to contribute to the industry's sustainable transformation, this could be the perfect path for you.
Automotive consulting covers a wide range of responsibilities. Here's a quick overview of the most important areas:
Strategy Consulting
Consultants support companies in planning their long-term direction and adapting to changes in the market. This often includes analyzing trends, exploring new markets, or evaluating emerging technologies.
Process Optimization
Many projects focus on making internal operations more efficient. Consultants take a close look at existing processes, identify weak points, and help businesses save time and reduce costs.
Technology Consulting
The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, with key topics like autonomous driving, electric vehicles, and connected cars. Automotive consultants advise on which technologies make sense and how they can be implemented effectively.
Sustainability Consulting
More and more companies want to operate in a more environmentally friendly way. Consultants in this area develop strategies to cut emissions, use resources more efficiently, and drive sustainable innovation.
Automotive consultants play a key role in helping companies in the automotive industry prepare for the future. They bring deep industry knowledge, stay on top of the latest trends, and support businesses in meeting new challenges successfully.
They also offer a fresh outside perspective and can spot opportunities and weaknesses that internal teams might miss. One of their biggest strengths is their tailored approach. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all solutions, they develop customized strategies that align with each company’s specific goals and structure. This helps businesses build long-term competitive advantages and drive innovation.
If you want to succeed in automotive consulting, you’ll need more than just an interest in cars and technology. Projects often require a mix of technical knowledge and strong soft skills.
If you’re thinking about a career in automotive consulting, it’s worth getting to know the leading firms in this space. These include both in-house consulting teams at major car manufacturers and external consulting firms with a strong focus on the automotive sector. Here are some of the key players:
McKinsey is one of the world’s leading strategy consulting firms and has been closely involved with the automotive industry for many years. The firm advises OEMs, suppliers, and new mobility players on topics like electric vehicles, software-defined vehicles, sustainability, and supply chain strategy. With its global reach and deep industry expertise, McKinsey is a top choice for large-scale automotive projects.
For further insights into McKinsey, please visit:
👉 McKinsey Case Interview
👉 McKinsey Personal Experience Interview
👉 McKinsey Problem Solving Game
👉 McKinsey Internship – Apply for an Internship at McKinsey
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
BCG is also a top name in automotive consulting. Their consultants work on projects involving digital transformation, autonomous vehicles, battery technology, carbon strategies, and business model innovation. One standout feature: BCG regularly publishes research on the future of mobility, which is a great resource for anyone entering the field.
For further insights into BCG, please visit:
👉 BCG Case Interview
👉 BCG Online Case
👉 BCG Potential Test
Roland Berger is a leading European strategy consulting firm with a long-standing focus on the automotive and supplier industry. The firm supports clients with transformation efforts, new mobility strategies, and sustainable production. With a strong presence in Europe and Asia, Roland Berger is especially well-regarded among mid-sized automotive companies.
👉 For more insights, check out our Roland Berger Interview Guide.
Oliver Wyman is known in the automotive sector for its data-driven and practical approach. The firm supports manufacturers and suppliers with topics like pricing, production strategy, connected cars, and aftermarket optimization. Their projects are often international, heavily analytical, and closely tied to operational implementation.
👉 Find out more about this Firm in our Oliver Wyman Interview Guide.
AlixPartners
AlixPartners is a global management consulting firm with a strong focus on restructuring and performance improvement, including in the automotive sector. Projects often involve challenging situations, like crisis management, operational improvements, or M&A support. If you’re analytically strong and enjoy working in fast-paced environments, this could be a great fit.
Berylls
Berylls is a specialized boutique consultancy focused entirely on the automotive industry. They advise manufacturers, suppliers, and mobility providers on strategy, digital transformation, sales and marketing, and change management. With international projects and deep industry knowledge, Berylls is a top pick for anyone looking to specialize in automotive consulting.
Porsche Consulting
Porsche Consulting is a subsidiary of Porsche, but it operates as an external strategy consultancy for clients across various industries – including, of course, automotive. Its focus areas include innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation. The firm combines technical expertise with strategic vision, making it an exciting employer for those interested in both engineering and business.
DRIVE Consulting
DRIVE Consulting is Audi’s in-house consulting unit and part of the Volkswagen Group. It focuses on strategic projects related to Audi’s transformation, including electric mobility, new business models, and digitalization. Thanks to its close connection to the Audi brand, DRIVE offers exclusive access to cutting-edge industry topics.
Mercedes-Benz Management Consulting (MBMC)
MBMC is Mercedes-Benz’s internal consulting team. The group focuses on key future topics such as electric mobility, software strategy, and large-scale organizational transformation. MBMC blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution and is closely involved in shaping the company’s overall direction, which is ideal for those who want to help drive the strategy of a premium car brand.
👉 Check out our employer profile of Mercedes-Benz Management Consulting.
Volkswagen Group Consulting
Volkswagen Group Consulting is the in-house consulting arm of the VW Group. It supports brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, and Porsche with strategic and operational projects, ranging from production transformation to digitalization and new mobility concepts. Projects are typically embedded within the corporate environment, offering deep insights into the automotive world.
👉 Find more insights on our employer profile of Volkswagen Group Consulting.
If you’re aiming to start a career in automotive consulting, preparation is key. The application process can be demanding, but with the right strategy, you’ll have a great chance of landing a spot at a top firm.
Start by researching potential employers early on.
A great first step is to get an overview of the companies you might want to work for. Not all consultancies are the same – some focus more on strategy, while others specialize in technology or digital transformation. Company culture can also vary a lot, so it’s important to find the right fit for you.
👉 Check out our employer profiles for detailed insights into leading firms in the automotive sector.
Prepare thoroughly for case interviews.
Case interviews are a core part of the consulting application process. They’re designed to test how you analyze problems, think in a structured way, and present solutions under pressure. The better you prepare, the higher your chances of success.
👉 Our Case Interview Basics cover all the key methods and techniques you need to know.
Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s a good idea to practice with others in mock interviews to simulate real interview conditions.
👉 On our meeting board, you’ll find practice partners to help you get ready.
If you want even more targeted feedback, consider a one-on-one coaching session.
👉 Our coach overview features experienced experts who can help you identify your weak spots, build confidence, and take your performance to the next level.
Automotive consulting is an exciting and future-oriented career field at the intersection of business, technology, and mobility. In an industry undergoing rapid transformation, consultants play a key role. They help companies realign their strategies, improve efficiency, become more sustainable, and push forward innovative technologies.
To succeed as an automotive consultant, you’ll need strong analytical skills and confidence in tools like Excel, but also solid communication abilities, teamwork, and a good sense of industry trends. If you bring these qualities to the table, you’ll have great opportunities at top consulting firms and in-house teams alike.
Automotive consulting is a great fit for anyone who wants to shape the future, take on responsibility, and be directly involved in major transformation processes. It’s a field where you can apply your knowledge and make a real impact—for companies, for the industry, and for a more sustainable future of mobility.
