interview 2 7
“FOR THE INDUSTRY, WE ARE
ALREADY A RELIABLE PARTNER
IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE
ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAIN.”
MARIO BRUNNER
N O . 1 2 0 2 2
of virtualisation. We also have a good understanding of systems in soft-ware-
defined vehicles. We are very well positioned in all areas and deliver
added value for our customers, who benefit greatly in these topics from
our inputs and achievements. When it comes to hydrogen, AVL is an im-portant
driving force in the market. The same goes for e-fuels. One reason
for this is that AVL spends a great sum on research and development. Last
year, that amounted to 12 percent of the total turnover of 1.7 billion euros.
Among the tasks for Robert Fischer and me is to ensure that we focus on
the right technology in engineering.
focus: Do you feel there is a “war for talent”?
Mario Brunner: Making sure we remain an attractive employer for young
people is indeed an important job. So far, we have always done well in this
regard. AVL is regularly named among the top employers in Austria. We
have a high proportion of experienced employees, some of whom have
been with us for a long time. At AVL, we have the right combination: a
highly innovative company and a collaborative, respectful environment.
It works top-down – starting with our owner Prof. Helmut List. That is
also the reason why I have been here for 18 years. Working here gives a
lot of enjoyment to a technician like me.
focus: When you have been at a company for so long, there is a risk that
you may become blinkered in your work. How good would you say that
your view is of the global market and its players?
Mario Brunner: Our customer portfolio naturally demands that we keep
your eyes open. Over the past twelve years, I have worked very closely
with a diverse range of customers. From traditional OEMs and technology
companies looking to expand their
portfolio, through to start-ups. And
that in many different markets –
starting with the USA and India,
via Japan and Germany, to China.
If you are not flexible and do not
embrace new methods, you will not
get very far.
focus: One final question: Your
appointment has lowered the av-erage
age of the executive board.
What do you make of that?
Mario Brunner: Throughout my pro-fessional
career, I have usually been
one of the youngest in the respec-tive
positions. I have always benefit-ed
from the experience of my older
colleagues, whilst also introducing
my own perspectives. A combina-tion
that has produced very good
results in many areas. That is the
case again now. In general, howev-er,
age is less of an issue at a technol-ogy
company like AVL. Regardless
of that, I am obviously introduc-ing
new ways of thinking, topics
and methods. Many customers and
competitors have also reorganised
themselves as a result of the trans-formation
process and are taking a
slightly different approach to things
than they did just a few years ago.
For example, traditional automotive
development cycles lasting several
years are no longer relevant. The
pressure to hit the market is grow-ing
all the time. You need courage
to try new approaches – and that is
something we have!