From Pioneer to World Market Leader: AVL Looks Back at 75 Years of Success

Innovative thinking, focused research, a deep understanding of technological interrelationships and the courage to break new ground - that is the recipe for success of the AVL List GmbH. The Austrian pioneer, which today is one of the world's leading mobility technology companies for the development, simulation and testing in the automotive industry and beyond, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. International customers and partners, as well as representatives from politics and economy - including Austrian Federal Minister of Labour and Economy Martin Kocher, Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research Martin Polaschek and Styrian Governor Christopher Drexler - offer their congratulations.

Graz, Austria, October, 2023: From an engineering office to a globally recognized technology company. The pioneer for the development of drive systems has come a long way. Today, AVL, which has been under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Prof. DI Dr. h.c. Helmut List since 1979, is dedicated to the vision of a safe, comfortable and climate-neutral world of mobility. To this end, the former engine pioneer has expanded into a development service provider for sustainable and electrified drive systems and their seamless integration into the complete vehicle. The Austrian patent champion is driving the green and digital transformation in the automotive industry with its comprehensive research work, also in collaboration with numerous universities and other scientific institutions. The company recognized the need for technological change early on: "AVL's great strength has always been being one step ahead of its time. Thus, we were already involved in the development of the e-drive more than 20 years ago. With the AVL Battery Innovation Center, we offer our customers an innovative center that covers all the requirements of modern battery development. In our AVL Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Test Center, our focus lies on the comprehensive development of fuel cell as well as innovative hydrogen production technologies," says List. The software-defined vehicle and autonomous driving are also among AVL's core areas. To this end, the company is diving deep into the world of data science and artificial intelligence, which play a crucial role in both development process and simulation. Here, AVL is working with OEMs and partners such as Microsoft to develop and analyze intelligent driving functions. These are transferred to the vehicle in a particularly secure manner by means of over-the-air updates.

The individual at the center: CO₂-neutral, safe and affordable mobility for all

This will continue to be the goal of the Austrian automotive industry pioneer, which considers it as its mission to actively shape the future of mobility as well as of the energy sector. List, who led the company to global success, therefore prefers to look forward: "On a technological level we must strive for the development of long-term goals. We have to draw up roadmaps that are promising for the future, look beyond today and tomorrow and see what potential there is in each technology.” AVL will continue to address the major challenges of today and tomorrow. This includes decarbonization: "It is crucial that we use the scarce green energy that is available as economically as possible. To be able do this, we must take into account all the technologies that aid us on the path towards climate neutrality and apply them where they have the greatest impact. That is where we can accomplish massive savings in CO₂. That is what we owe to our planet. At the same time, we must always put the individual at the center of everything we do."

Federal Minister of Labour and Economy Univ. Prof. Dr. Martin Kocher:  "AVL has become a global leader in the future of mobility. The company's innovative strength has contributed significantly to the strength of the location and secures high-quality jobs. The federal government is currently investing heavily in the digital and sustainable transformation of the economy and is supporting companies in shaping the sustainable transformation of the economy with innovation. Innovative and creative companies often conduct research that is open to all feasible technologies in order to have the best long-term chances in competition."

Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research, Martin Polaschek: "Knowledge from research unleashes its full societal benefit only when successfully translated into practice. AVL’s success story is a living example of precisely this – the societal significance of collaboration between science and industry. First-class research, innovative strength, and the courage to break new ground have made AVL not only a global leader in the mobility technology sector but also a significant contributor to Austria’s research and industrial landscape. I extend my warmest congratulations on 75 years of research, innovation, and vision.”

Styrian Governor Christopher Drexler: „Styria is by far the number one innovation region in Austria and has developed very well economically over the past decades. AVL List, with its pioneering developments, has made a major contribution to Styria's national and international reputation as a business location. As a leading global technology company, AVL is doing pioneering work for the automotive industry and, with its outstanding research work, is making a very significant contribution to making mobility safer and more climate friendly. I would like to thank Professor List and his team for their enormous commitment and offer my warmest congratulations on the 75th birthday of one of the most innovative and formative companies in our region!”

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