Baker McKenzie’s Automotive Mobility Summit | Insight

Baker McKenzie’s Join us for the Baker McKenzie Automotive Mobility Summit in our Munich office which is happening during the IAA Mobility 2025. Our summit will gather leading sector leaders and experts to discuss the latest trends and how to navigate the current business and legal landscape in the automotive sector. This summit will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for you as we welcome professionals in the sector. For those who are interested, we can also arrange a visit to the IAA city center venues around the Baker McKenzie Munich Office, with dinner and networking to follow our IAA visit.

As the global automotive industry undergoes its most significant transformation in decades, Baker McKenzie’s Automotive Mobility Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and legal experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of transportation. Hosted by one of the world’s leading law firms, the summit focused on the rapid evolution of automotive mobility — from electrification and autonomous driving to data privacy, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.

Here are the key takeaways and insights from the summit:

1. The Shift from Vehicles to Mobility Solutions

Baker McKenzie’s  One of the most prominent themes discussed at the summit was the paradigm shift from traditional vehicle ownership to mobility as a service (MaaS). Panelists noted that consumers, especially in urban areas, are increasingly prioritizing convenience, connectivity, and sustainability over ownership.

This shift is driving automakers to redefine themselves as mobility providers, offering subscription services, ride-hailing platforms, and shared vehicle models. However, this transformation also brings complex legal challenges, from consumer protection and liability to cross-border regulatory compliance.

2. Electrification: Regulatory Pressure Meets Market Demand

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to be a defining force in the industry. Governments around the world are pushing for more aggressive emission targets, and consumers are responding positively to new EV models that offer improved range and performance.

Speakers at the summit discussed how automakers must navigate a fast-changing regulatory landscape, particularly around battery sourcing, recycling mandates, and subsidies. Legal experts from Baker McKenzie emphasized the importance of understanding local regulations across jurisdictions, especially for global OEMs seeking to scale EV production and sales.

3. Autonomous Vehicles and AI Regulation

The development of autonomous driving technology remains a major frontier for the automotive sector. However, the legal and ethical implications of deploying self-driving vehicles are still evolving.

Sessions at the summit covered:

• Liability frameworks in the event of accidents

• AI decision-making transparency

• Regulatory gaps in cross-border AV deployment

Baker McKenzie’s legal teams highlighted how companies must adopt robust risk management strategies, ensure compliance with evolving AI laws, and engage proactively with regulators to shape policies that encourage innovation without compromising safety.

4. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: A Growing Priority

With vehicles becoming more connected than ever, data privacy and cybersecurity have moved to the top of the agenda. Automakers and suppliers are collecting vast amounts of data, from driver behavior to location tracking — raising questions around consent, storage, cross-border data transfer, and third-party access.

Experts at the summit warned that non-compliance with GDPR and similar regulations could expose companies to significant reputational and financial risk. As vehicles become platforms for digital experiences, companies must adopt privacy-by-design principles and prepare for increased scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike.

5. Building Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chains

The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have exposed vulnerabilities in the global automotive supply chain. At the summit, Baker McKenzie facilitated discussions around how companies can future-proof their operations by:

• Diversifying suppliers

• Localizing production

• Investing in ESG-compliant sourcing

Sustainability is no longer just a branding exercise — it’s becoming a compliance requirement. From battery minerals to energy consumption, companies are being held accountable for the environmental and social impacts of their entire value chain.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Complexity with Confidence

Baker McKenzie’s Automotive Mobility Summit made one thing clear: the mobility revolution is here, and it’s complex. From regulatory upheaval to technological innovation, the automotive industry stands at a crossroads.

Companies that succeed in this new environment will be those that combine innovation with legal foresight, adapting quickly to change while ensuring compliance, transparency, and resilience. As a trusted advisor to global automotive players, Baker McKenzie continues to provide the legal and strategic guidance necessary to navigate the road ahead.

Date
Thursday, 11 September 2025

Schedule

Location
Baker McKenzie Munich Office
Theatinerstrasse 23
80333 Munich, Germany Baker McKenzie’s

Plenary topics will include:

• The Wish List of Mobility Companies
• Competitiveness Compass from a Mobility Perspective
• Navigating the Geopolitical Landscape
• M&A in Times of Geopolitical Turmoil

Breakout session topics will include:

• Digital & Technology
• ESG & Supply Chain
• Impact of Tariffs
• M&A and Regulatory Hurdles (Merger Control, FIR, FSR)
• Energy and E-mobility
• Infrastructure Financing

Register now through the link below and add the event to your calendar. Please feel free to invite colleagues who you think would be interested to join us by sharing the registration link with them.Baker McKenzie’s

Register

We look forward to welcoming you.