Interviews
Jürgen Mindel
Managing Director Association Management & Communications Division
Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)
“Under the motto “WE DELIVER,” IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 brings together industry leaders to turn sustainable innovation into real-world mobility solutions“.
Jürgen Mindel, born in 1974 in Weingarten in Baden-Württemberg, has been a Managing Director of the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) since October 2020. He is responsible for the areas of human resources and finance, law and compliance, member service and communications, as well as for IAA MOBILITY, IAA TRANSPORTATION, and the Quality Management Center (QMC). Jürgen Mindel previously worked as head of department for policy matters, coordination and strategic planning and as head of the president‘s office in the VDA and worked as a research assistant to a member of the German parliament.
"Chinese trucks have moved from being dismissed as unreliable and low-value to rewriting history in markets like KSA - proving that with quality upgrades, faster delivery, and strategic partnerships, they are no longer just an alternative but a force reshaping the global trucking industry."
Automotive professional with +20 years of experience. Holding DBA degree and having worked with world brands including Mercedes-Benz, MAN Truck, and SINOTRUK.
Joseph Alexander Ebrahmian
Director, Senior EV Technology Consultant and Specialist
Automotive EV-HUB
"EVs with solid-state batteries will dominate road transport, while hydrogen will find its true role in powering commercial fleets and aerospace."
Automotive technology expert specializing in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) platforms, with over 27 years of experience in the industry. My expertise spans consulting, training, and project management across various automotive sectors, including Battery electric storage systems, hydrogen fuel cells and renewable technologies.
"AI isn’t just making car buying faster - it’s making it smarter, more transparent, and more human, turning every dealership into a trusted partner in the consumer journey."
Ian joined Auto Trader in 2017, having spent over 20 years in the automotive industry in senior global roles across manufacturers and retailer groups. Currently, he leads Autotrader’s relationships with automotive manufacturers, lenders and media agencies as well as franchised retailers to ensure Auto Trader’s technology and expertise delivers value and revenue for partners in both the new and used car space. He is also on the Board of the Institute of the Motoring Industry and is a regular media commentator as well as being an active lobbyist for the policies required to ensure the electric transition is equitable and accessible.
"BMW masters battery innovation by blending deep expertise with global collaboration, driving performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency"
Dr. Juliane Kluge, Head of Cell Chemistry and Methods at the Battery Cell Competence Centre (BCCC), BMW Group. Since 2016, she has been integrally involved in establishing the BMW Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich. Over the course of her more than 20-year career at BMW, Dr. Juliane Kluge has held various positions, including roles in corporate strategy focused on air quality and emissions, as well establishing the product sustainability strategy. Additionally, she has served as the Head of R&D High Performance Components and Concepts Electric Drive at BMW UK. Dr. Juliane Kluge holds a PhD in Chemistry.
"Driving innovation in thermal management, A.L.M.T. Corp. powers the future of energy-efficient technology with advanced materials and precision solutions"
Mr. Takida is the Chief Engineer of the Thermal Management Division at A.L.M.T. Corp. After joining the company, he worked on the development of heat-resistant materials, molybdenum and tungsten, and obtained a Ph.D. in engineering through his work on controlling the microstructure of molybdenum. Currently, he is building on this fundamental technology by working on the material and technology development of heat spreaders, with a particular focus on expanding business in the mobility sector and developing new markets for the future.
The Battery Show Europe is a premier platform for showcasing innovations in the advanced battery and electric & hybrid vehicle industry. In an interview with Dr. James Widmer, CEO of Advanced Electric Machines, he emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving innovation forward, stating, "Innovation accelerates through collaboration." This highlights the key theme of industry collaboration and technological advancement that defines The Battery Show Europe.
Professor James Widmer is the CEO and Co-founder of Advanced Electric Machines. He is also a part-time chair in Electric Propulsion Systems at Coventry University and serves as a part-time Director of the Advanced Propulsion Centre's Electric Machines Spoke at Newcastle University, focusing on low-carbon vehicle research and innovation in the UK electric machines community.
The Battery Show Europe is a significant event for the advanced battery and electric & hybrid vehicle industry, bringing together experts, stakeholders, and innovators to discuss key topics and advancements. It serves as a platform to address critical industry challenges, foster collaboration, share insights, and showcase innovations shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
German Wankmiller commenced his mechanical engineering studies at the Munich University of Applied Sciences in 1978, specializing in design technology. He completed his engineering degree successfully in 1982. Following graduation, he joined Multivac Packaging Machines as a group leader in the development department. In 1989, Wankmiller transitioned to Grob-Werke as an assistant to the Director of Operations and production, later assuming roles as Head of Assembly in 1995 and subsequently as Head of Assembly and Logistics in 1999. By 1998, he had risen to the position of Grob Mindelheim's Production Director. In 2003, Wankmiller was appointed Managing Director of Technology, Design, and Production, and since 2007, he has served as Chairman of the Board of Management at the Grob Group.
