Certainly, you, like us, have had to adapt to (almost) all the ‘Corona’ developments by now.
Some, such as wearing face masks, still feel very unfamiliar, while others, like the intensive use of tele- and video communication, effectively support our work.
It is wonderful that in October 2019, you and we were able to celebrate the 19th Award Night, where so many outstanding plastic innovations were honored. The jury meeting also proceeded as planned in January 2020, with active participation, many interesting ideas, and well-considered suggestions.
Even though we were already living in times of upheaval (politically, technologically, and economically) before Corona, the challenges have grown even further for all of us. We all know that crises act as catalysts, accelerating many projects and trends.
Where digitalization was already well advanced, it has now become clear how robust and largely ‘contactless’ processes not only simplify or advance necessary procedures but make them possible in the first place. Let us not only think of our industry; schools and universities were also enabled to conduct (remote) teaching through digitalization. Fortunate are those who were adequately prepared, and this is certainly one of the last ‘wake-up calls’ for those who still have catching up to do in this area.
Upheavals are always accompanied by innovations. True to the proverb that necessity is the mother of invention, they form the breeding ground for creative new developments. Companies that proactively embrace innovations will successfully master difficult situations now and in the future. We are therefore confident that many of your Automotive Award submissions will also succeed in the market.
We also remain innovative – after the initial changes you already experienced at the 2019 Award Night, we are planning further innovations to support you as effectively as possible in your work on innovations. The newly designed website is only a small part of this. Preparations for next year are already in full swing!
We look forward with you to an exciting 20th Automotive Award in summer 2021.
Stay healthy, you and your loved ones!
Bernard Rzepka
on behalf of the Board
