Tech Talk is a series of interviews that introduce you to some inspiring personalities within and outside of MD ELEKTRONIK and the world of technology, innovation, and more.
In this edition, we met up with Sladjan Ivanovic, Manager French Customers at MD to talk about the evolution of the French Car Industry.
France was a pioneer in the automotive industry and third largest car manufacturer in Europe (after Germany and Spain) until 2000. Since then, France has experienced a substantial decline in car production. The French automotive industry must evolve and adapt to emerging technologies and market demands. Looking ahead, the French government has implemented initiatives to revitalize the sector, focusing on the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and setting ambitious targets to produce 2 million EVs by 2030.
Bonjour Sladjan, please tell us a little bit about yourself. What has been your career path so far and what brought you to MD?
I am married with 2 daughters and was born in Yugoslavia (Serbia) on the Romanian border. I have lived in the Paris area for over 40 years, I am a graduate Engineer and speak 4 languages. I have 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry, 26 of which in the connector and harness sector.
To be honest, until the headhunter contacted me in 2022, I did not know much about MD ELEKTRONIK. But now, I am very impressed by MD’s products and how we serve the market with high level technology solutions. As “Manager French Customers”, I am using my contacts and my experience to support all our customers and to increase the market share in France.
In your experience, what are the specific characteristics of the French automotive market in terms of technological requirements and customer needs compared to other markets?
The French car market has a strong emphasis on urban use, with vehicles often used in dense urban traffic for short and frequent journeys. This creates a demand for compact models that offer high maneuverability and intelligent features. Driver assistance systems, automatic parking assistance and connectivity solutions are increasingly becoming standard equipment to ensure comfort and safety in urban environments. Future autonomous driving features are also being developed primarily with urban environments in mind. As a result, the focus is less on comfort and range over long distances, as is the case in the US and Germany.
What role do you see France playing in the context of increasing vehicle connectivity – and what does this mean for data transmission solutions?
France is at the forefront of promoting vehicle connectivity, supported by government initiatives and close collaboration between public authorities, car manufacturers, technology companies and academic institutions. One notable example is the French Co-Drive project, which has developed the GLOSA (Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory) system. This system allows vehicles to communicate with traffic lights to determine the optimal speed for a “green wave”. The growing demand for connectivity is driving the need for high-performance, reliable data transmission solutions. In compact vehicles, the challenge is even greater: solutions must not only meet technical requirements but also be tailored to limited installation space.
How is the French market responding to the growing demand for robust and sustainable supply chains?
The French automotive sector places great emphasis on building sustainable and robust supply chains. Companies are increasingly turning to local sourcing – not only to ensure security of supply, but also to avoid tariffs and reduce CO₂ emissions through shorter transport routes. One concrete example is the development of a supply chain around the Gigafactory in Douvrin, France. This battery production facility, operated by Automotive Cells Company (ACC) – a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies and Mercedes Benz – aims to centralize the production of battery cells for electric vehicles in Europe. In addition, Stellantis is investing €4.1 billion with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL to build a large-scale battery factory in Zaragoza, Spain. These measures reflect the industry’s efforts to regionalize supply chains, improve sustainability and strengthen the competitiveness of the European automotive sector.
Where do you see MD’s strengths in meeting the specific needs of French customers?
MD is a reliable technology partner for high quality data transmission solutions. Our customers benefit especially from our robust European manufacturing network, which ensures short lead times, high delivery reliability and maximum security of supply. Our in-house designed and manufactured production equipment allows us to respond quickly and with high precision to even the most individual customer requirements – an important advantage when dealing with complex specifications. In addition, we design and manufacture our own connectors, which not only gives us technological independence, but also provides our customers with various options to stabilize their supply chains. Our local sales presence, combined with global manufacturing expertise, in-house Test Labs and a high level of vertical integration, make us the ideal partner for today’s automotive challenges.
High-performance, extremely reliable data connections are the backbone of tomorrow’s mobility. MD ELEKTRONIK is at the forefront of these technologies and leading the way with an international network of experts. Contact us now and find out more about the latest innovations!
Sladjan Ivanovic
Sladjan is an experienced sales and project management professional with a career spanning over 30 years in the automotive industry. He has developed an extensive network of contacts with both OEMs and Tier 1 customers and has directly supported business and profitability growth globally. As a graduate engineer, fluent in 4 languages, Sladjan has a deep understanding of international management and his multicultural background enables him to interact with customers and suppliers from around the world with ease and respect.
Sladjan is committed to supporting the MD Group in increasing its market share in France, true to his motto: Always go ahead, never give up.
