Developing Vehicles That Understand Us

What exactly do you do at Audi?

Melanie: As a project manager, the heart of our brand is at the center of my responsibilities: the vehicles themselves. A key part of my job involves collaborating with many colleagues from different areas. Together, we shape the early concept phase, development, and ultimately production readiness.

I believe that the best results come from the interplay of various people, their ideas and perspectives, and the creation of a shared solution. Right now, our focus is on teaching our systems to have “understanding.” With AI, communication between the car and the driver becomes much easier.

What is your goal with the integration of artificial intelligence in vehicles?

Melanie: Our goal is to create a seamless driving experience through intuitive operation with AI—a vehicle that optimally adapts to the needs of our drivers and relieves the strain on them on the road. To stay close to our customers, we place great importance to constantly learning from the usage behavior of our customers in order to be able to respond quickly to their wishes and needs.

So, you are developing vehicles that understand the customer and their needs. What currently stands out as the central focus in this development for you?

Melanie: In vehicle development, as we’re doing now and which I believe is the future, software is the central design element. What is special about this is that the software and electronics architecture take the center stage throughout the entire process, thus enabling functions that shape the character of the vehicle.

How do you handle this significant challenge? Are you working toward this goal together?

Melanie: In developing these processes, it’s essential to have a team that values understanding and collaboration, where we all learn from each other every day. We are a very diverse team that benefits from our different skills and personalities. This is also reflected in the vehicle, as we work as a cohesive team—just like the driver and the car.

You were in South Korea for Audi. How did that experience shape your approach to collaboration and integration, and what did you take away from it?

Melanie: The 2.5 years in South Korea significantly shaped me both professionally and personally. When I took over a team there, it was challenging to live and work in a new culture. I learned how important it is to reach out to others and embrace intercultural differences. This helped me find new solutions with the team and develop a feedback culture that enriches both sides.

As a project manager, it’s vital to maintain team motivation, especially during tough times. It’s crucial to keep the team united and foster people’s enthusiasm for a common goal. Openness and respect for individual perspectives are the basis of our daily work in order to move forward successfully as a team and tackle challenges.