The Global Automotive Study 2025 of international business consultancy Simon Kucher provides a conclusive picture of the technological transition described above: Electric vehicles are increasingly establishing themselves on the market. For instance, 96 percent of current electric car drivers would again opt for an electric vehicle – compared to 92 percent last year. Another trend indicates that the utilization period of the cars is getting longer. Along with the growing vehicle age, expectations pinned on the aftermarket are changing as well: 71 percent of consumers appreciate predictive maintenance increasing reliability and 87 percent prefer bundled pre-paid service packages excluding unexpected repair costs. Millennials and members of Generation Z have particularly positive opinions of pre-paid maintenance plans and warranty extensions and concurrently demand more post-purchasing transparency, to name just a few examples.

Considering these trends, Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions responds to the transformation of the market – not only with a fast-growing offering of special repair kits for electric powertrains but also as an engaged partner and provider of impetus for systematic basic and advanced training of automotive professionals. The company, for instance, helps prepare garage employees for modern powertrain technologies and to make them fit for challenging repairs of today and tomorrow.

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In 2021, the Schaeffler VLS unit supported ATR Service GmbH’s “Camp der Champs” talent development program for the first time as a partner. This year, the company is expanding its commitment to include the ATR Expert Trophy – a nationwide competition that promotes further training of experienced automotive professionals. With this holistic qualification approach, Schaeffler VLS is actively contributing to sustainably securing the growing demand for skilled workers and the competitiveness of independent garages.

The program is aimed at automotive mechatronics technicians in their second and third year of training. In addition to vocational school lessons, practice-oriented training courses provide in-depth knowledge on current topics such as engine/motor control, power transmission, e-mobility, and digitalization. In 2026, the camp will focus on modern transmission and air-conditioning systems. The apprentices not only learn the theoretical fundamentals, but also train hands-on with engine/motor and clutch models, enabling them to intensify their knowledge. The best talents qualify for the summer finals, which will take place from 25 to 26 June 2026 in Hamburg.

With around 30 training camps in 2026, the ATR Expert Trophy offers experienced professionals an intensive and cost-free development format. The program focuses on technical challenges and practical scenarios to convey up-to-date knowledge of current and future vehicle technologies and to foster professional exchange.

“The qualified training of young talent and the further development of experienced mechatronics technicians is of central importance to us. Through our involvement in the ‘Camp der Champs’ and the ATR Experts Trophy, we create optimal conditions for the sustainable development of the industry,” says Jürgen Steinsberger, Manager for the DACH and Benelux subregion at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions.

"At the same time, our own training programs provide continuously updated know-how to strengthen future-proof workshop competencies."

Jürgen Steinsberger, Manager for the DACH and Benelux subregion at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions

Know-how transfer through Schaeffler training and digital learning formats

Complementing these joint initiatives, Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions offers a comprehensive portfolio of its own training and development programs. Ranging from technical seminars and digital learning formats to workshops on innovative drive technologies, the Schaeffler division provides practice-oriented expertise.