Berlin/Stuttgart, Germany – February 25, 2021– Iochpe-Maxion, a multi-billion dollar global leader in the production of automotive wheels and a leading producer of automotive structural components in the Americas, today announced its strategic partnership with STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play.

The Stuttgart-based global innovation platform connects well-established companies with innovative tech startups, encouraging an open exchange of disruptive ideas and technologies. Through the partnership, Maxion aims to participate in new mobility platforms, leverage screening and scouting opportunities, and collaborate with other industry partners and startups on important industry challenges.

“STARTUP AUTOBAHN’s innovation ecosystem ties in perfectly with Maxion’s innovation strategy. It will allow us to identify new business opportunities and accelerate the company’s digital and technological development, while startups and innovators will benefit from our global scale and profound wheel and chassis expertise,” offered Dr. Saul Reichman, Head of Maxion Advanced Technologies and Global Director of Innovation & Corporate Venturing at Maxion Wheels. “We are looking forward to the cooperation and the exciting synergies that will result from this partnership.”

“Through their expertise as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wheels in the mobility sector, Maxion adds great value to our platform. We are thrilled to have them on board and are looking forward to a promising partnership and many innovative projects. I am especially excited to identify new technology approaches and opportunities together by connecting the team with innovative startups and corporate partners of our international ecosystem. Let’s get this partnership rolling,” said Sascha Karimpour, Managing Director of Plug & Play Germany.

The founding members of STARTUP AUTOBAHN welcomed new partners of the ever-growing network during today’s virtual EXPO 9 event.

About Iochpe-Maxion

Iochpe-Maxion is a world leader in the production of automotive wheels and a leading producer of automotive structural components in the Americas. The Company has 33 manufacturing plants located in 14 countries and approximately 15,000 employees, operating its business through two divisions: Maxion Wheels and Maxion Structural Components. Iochpe-Maxion, keen to capitalize on new growth opportunities while also remaining relevant to its customers, launched Maxion Advanced Technologies (MAT), a stand-alone organization responsible for participating in the global new-mobility innovation ecosystem in search of adjacent and disruptive automotive-related new business opportunities. To effectively participate in the dynamic future mobility arena, MAT targets new products, processes and business models relating to advanced materials and digitalization.

About STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play

STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play is an open innovation platform that provides an interface between innovative tech companies and industry-leading corporations. The basis of the program is the partnership that develops between startups and the corporate business units. The two entities hold an equal footing from the get-go: together they evaluate the potential for a joint venture, move forward to pilot the technology, and work to achieve the ultimate goal – a successful production-ready implementation. Designed with the intention to exceed startup acceleration, STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play moderates a community for collaboration with a focus on implementable results.