Transports and mobility industry
The Alsatian economy is distinguished by its strong presence in transport and mobility industries, establishing Alsace as a highly dynamic region in this sector. The region’s expertise encompasses all key modes of transport: automotive, rail, aerospace, and industrial vehicles.
Summary
A thriving business ecosystem
Alsace’s prime geographical location has once again proven advantageous. Within a 300 km radius, you’ll find major historical European automobile manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, MAN, Porsche, and Audi. This proximity has led to the development of a robust network of subcontractors in Alsace, supplying key vehicle components. Renowned companies such as Bugatti, Alstom, Lohr, and De Dietrich also have their roots in this region.
These companies have attracted numerous first and second-tier suppliers, offering their products and services from Alsace. They benefit from a skilled, qualified, and competitive workforce, along with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The mobility sector here encompasses all related activities, including R&D, design, materials, machine tools, and electrical and electronic components, creating a complete local value chain.
The sector is forward-looking, innovating daily to envision the future of mobility with electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells. The Grand Est Region actively supports the transformation of these companies towards Industry 5.0.
400
companies
40 000
related workforce
127
public and private R&D centers
Source : Pôle véhicule du futur 2023
Main life sciences companies in Alsace
A highly active professionnal environment
The « Pôle Véhicule du Futur »
The “Véhicule du futur” innovation cluster supports the development of the automotive, land transport, and innovative mobility industries, aiming to enhance their competitiveness to create value and jobs. Its goal is to guide member companies towards new mobility markets and the industry of the future by helping them transform their production processes.
Established in 2005, the Future Vehicle Cluster now has over 500 members, 80% of which are industrial companies. Since its inception, it has contributed to the funding of nearly 300 projects.
R&D centers and technological platforms
- Institut Carnot MICA
The Institut Carnot MICA is a public research organization that supports companies in their R&D projects. The institute specializes in functional materials, surfaces and interfaces, and associated processes, from fundamental research to industrial application.
With the synergy of its 18 member structures, MICA offers a comprehensive scientific portfolio, supported by a network of cutting-edge equipment and high-tech platforms. The institute provides companies with a dedicated contact person who assists them throughout their project.
Among its members are CETIM Grand Est, a regional center of industrial expertise specializing in product lifecycle and new challenges related to digital transformation and energy transition, and Irepa Laser, an expert in industrial laser processes and materials, developing innovative and responsible laser industry solutions and supporting their operational implementation.
- Fédération de Recherche Matériaux et Nanoscience du Grand Est
The Materials and Nanoscience Grand Est Research Federation (FRMNGE) fosters synergies among 14 laboratories from CNRS, INSERM, Institut Saint-Louis, University of Strasbourg, University of Haute Alsace, and University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne. It also collaborates with academic actors in the Trinational Metropolitan Region of the Upper Rhine, initiating major projects with the Universities of Freiburg, Karlsruhe, and Basel, as well as with Luxembourg and Belgium.
The FRMNGE has led numerous high-level national and cross-border innovative projects.
- CRITT Matériaux Innovation
CRITT Matériaux Innovation specializes in the study and characterization of materials and their surface properties. Its laboratories (metallography, chemical analysis, mechanical testing) and platforms for metallic powder implementation, cold plasma treatment, and wear phenomena study offer expertise and R&D services to companies in the aerospace, railway, automotive, and metallurgical industries.
Related economic sectors
Hydrogen industry
Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the energy transition and the decarbonization of industry and mobility. The Future Vehicle Cluster leads the DINAMHySE Grand Est initiative, which aims to stimulate and accelerate the development of a hydrogen industrial sector in the Grand Est region. This initiative covers the entire value chain, from production to usage, including mobility, buildings, and renewable energy storage, with the goal of implementing and democratizing hydrogen as part of the energy transition.
Local companies already involved in this rapidly growing sector include:
- John Cockerill: manufactures electrolyzer cells used for hydrogen extraction.
- Innoplate: a joint venture between Faurecia, Michelin, and Schaeffler for the production of bipolar plates for fuel cells.
- Cryostar: produces cryogenic pumps for hydrogen transfer and compression.
Deep geothermal energy and battery lithium
Alsace has natural geothermal resources. Currently, there are two deep geothermal power plants in the region, located in Soultz-sous-Forêt and Rittershoffen, which already supply heat to a nearby industrial company (ECOGI). Additional geothermal power plant projects are under consideration.
Beyond the energy benefits of geothermal development, it is also possible to extract lithium from Alsatian geothermal waters at a concentration of 180 mg/l.
Several projects have been launched for the local refining of this lithium, with operations expected to start in 2027, aiming for an annual production of several tens of thousands of tons.
An ecosystem is already forming around the production of this valuable metal, with the upcoming establishment of a lithium battery “gigafactory” in Alsace by the Bolloré Group.
Tailored training in related fields
The transport and mobility industries encompass a wide range of related skills: metallurgy, mechanics, digital technology, electronics, plastics, and more.
Alsace offers various training programs related to the mobility sector, from high school diplomas to engineering degrees, thanks to its strong educational and university network. Visit our dedicated page for more information!
Additionally, UIMM Alsace (Union of Metallurgy Industries and Trades) offers member companies training opportunities for their employees to stay competitive and adapt to industry transformations.
Support programs and financial aid
To accelerate the decarbonization of the automotive industry towards electromobility and facilitate the transition to sustainable and innovative mobility, the Grand Est Region has implemented a specific support program for companies in the sector since 2021, including:
- Diagnostics and Advice: A prospecting and support plan for companies in the sector, with nearly 500 identified actors.
- Transformation Program: Individual and collective support for companies to help them in their industrial, digital, and environmental transformation.
- Financial Support: Nearly 30 million euros mobilized for strategic transformation programs at various automotive sites.
- Productive Investments: More than fifty companies have received grants to modernize their production tools, creating over 600 jobs.
- Research and Development: Around twenty innovative projects have been supported since 2021, with a total funding of nearly 15 million euros.
- Professional Training: 2,100 training places for job seekers are funded each year, amounting to 17 million euros, to meet the recruitment needs of industrial companies.