Rivoluzione nel settore Automotive: l'impatto della tecnologia sta cambiando il futuro dell'attività di M&A del settore

The aim of this thesis is to analyze different findings concerning the convergence of the automotive and the tech industry. In particular, how the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based innovations will reshape the current competitive landscape in the automotive industry by unlocking new revenue streams and introducing cost cutting opportunities. Autonomous driving, car sharing and interconnected vehicles are just some examples of how technological discovers are affecting the industry in such a deep way that what has always been known as automotive industry will come to be known, more broadly, as mobility industry. New players from the tech world will enter the market, determining a substantial change in the current completion dynamics. This thesis will focus on understanding the current situation of the automotive industry and its possible future developments. Does the convergence of the tech sector in the automotive industry represents the end for traditional carmakers and suppliers or a possibility to unlock new profit pools? As the automotive industry has one of the most complex and articulated value chain this thesis will focus specifically on three kinds of players: automobile manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers and Tech Companies. As external growth has traditionally been the preferred option to innovate in the sector, this paper will also focus on M&A as a mean to maintain competitive position in a fast-changing environment. How the convergence between sectors will affect M&A activity in the industry in the coming years? How can company thrive in doing transactions that are significantly different from what they used to be? By using a qualitative approach this thesis will try to describe how the future of M&A in this innovative and reshaped competitive environment looks like.