Navigating Automotive Transformation: Devolution, Collaboration, and Product Mindset | NTT DATA

Report - Tue, 03 June 2025

Delivering change in times of disruption

How can automotive organisations succeed with change?

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Why are traditional methods of delivering change falling short?

For more than a decade, automotive organisations have implemented rapid change projects to keep pace with innovation. But today, the word ‘change’ no longer reflects the scale or complexity of what’s required. As generative AI, sustainability regulations and shifting consumer expectations reshape the landscape, businesses must continue to adapt while managing risk, scale and legacy systems in real time.

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Report - 30 min read

Delivering change in times of disruption

How can automotive organisations succeed with change?

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Three principles of effective change

For many automotive organisations struggling with transformation projects, the problem isn’t a lack of ambition, strategy or understanding. The real issue is in the execution.

This whitepaper outlines three overlapping principles to help these organisations deliver change at all levels while continuing to innovate.

  • Devolution - Decisions should be made and delivery led at the lowest possible effective level. Often, they are positioned too high within the organisation to deliver change.
  • Collaboration - No single programme, business unit or individual organisation can deliver transformational change end to end with the budgets and timescales available. Collaboration is key.
  • Product Mindset - A product approach empowers those closest to internal and external customers to drive change while ensuring accountability for reusable, iterative solutions.

Breaking the cycle of centralisation and decentralisation requires a more nuanced approach. We recommend embracing devolution, where decisions are made at the lowest effective level, guided by the principle of subsidiarity.

Chris Knight

Chris Knight
Vice President, Automotive UK&I at NTT DATA


Automotive Employees Working together

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Turn strategy into action

If you’d like to get an existing transformation programme back on track or identify areas where your business can accelerate change, book a complimentary 45-minute consultation with our experts.

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