# Mate Rimac and European automotive industry strategy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mate-rimac-and-european-automotive-industry-strategy
> Updated: 2026-10-04T02:38:44.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Mate Rimac, president of the Bugatti Rimac Group, has transitioned from discussing his professional journey and the establishment of the Rimac Group as a global automotive epicenter to offering strategic critiques of the European automotive industry.

Rimac has advised European manufacturers to pivot away from competing with Chinese companies on digital technology, such as infotainment systems and charging speeds. Instead, he suggests that European brands should prioritize their traditional strengths in luxury, craftsmanship, and high-quality materials, comparing the ideal strategy to the successful model of the Swiss watch industry.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Mate Rimac urges European automakers to prioritize luxury over digital tech

Mate Rimac advises European automakers to stop competing with Chinese firms on digital tech and instead focus on luxury, craftsmanship, and high-quality materials to define their brand identity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mate-rimac-urges-european-automakers-to-prioritize-luxury-over-digital-tech

### 2026-09-25: Mate Rimac discusses global growth as DRIVE 2026 conference approaches

Mate Rimac discusses his rise to global automotive leadership, while the DRIVE 2026 conference in Sarajevo prepares to address AI's impact on the future of work and leadership.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mate-rimac-discusses-global-growth-as-drive-2026-conference-approaches

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Cite as: Mate Rimac and European automotive industry strategy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mate-rimac-and-european-automotive-industry-strategy