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03/2025

Automotive Industry in Transition: Innovations Driving the Future of Mobility

Innvations in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is currently undergoing major developments in numerous areas:

  • ‘Connected Cars’: The vehicle as a digital platform
  • Autonomous Driving: First robotaxis, then personal vehicles
  • Electromobility: On the rise, especially in China
  • Alternative Fuels: A complement to e-mobility

Mobility is fundamentally shifting toward connected and autonomous vehicles. These changes are not only revolutionizing transportation but also influencing urban design, the working environment, and quality of life.

Digitalization and Sensor Technology as Key Success Factors

At the core of innovation lies the combination of sensor technology and computing power (including AI). Data-driven services and connected mobility are becoming the norm. Technology providers that successfully integrate sensors and digital technologies hold a particularly strong market position.

Electromobility and, above all, the increasing autonomy of vehicles free up space for passengers to pursue various activities—entertainment, work, comfort, relaxation… This, in turn, drives additional demand for sensors and chips. Expected growth rates by 2030 vary by application, reaching over 22% in some cases.

Implications for Carnot Capital

Despite these developments and attractive valuations, we are maintaining a relatively low allocation in automotive suppliers. Our semiconductor and sensor technology positions in Melexis, LEM, Infineon, and Xfab account for around 10% of our portfolio. In addition, Ems-Chemie contributes as a manufacturer of high-performance polymers that make vehicles lighter and safer. With Sandvik, we also participate in the electrification of mining: electric loaders and transporters reduce the carbon footprint of metals while increasing productivity.

We will increase our automotive allocation once we gain confidence in rising car sales and see renewed momentum in electromobility, particularly in Western markets.

Rolf Helbling / Andres Gujan, February 5, 2025

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Nuclear Power – A New Boom or the Beginning of the End?

Nuclear Power – A New Boom or the Beginning of the End?

This was the title of a discussion programme on SRF television. The answer depends very much on your point of view. The expansion of nuclear power slowed down after the Chernobyl disaster (1986) and practically came to a standstill after Fukushima (2011), with Asia (China, India) being the exception. Since Europe has renounced Russian gas and wants to take the reduction of CO2 emissions seriously, nuclear energy is enjoying more support in Europe again.

The biggest advocates of nuclear power come from the IT industry: for Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, nuclear power is virtually the natural energy source for operating the power-hungry data centres and Microsoft has already concluded a long-term supply contract with the damaged Three Mile Island nuclear power plant.

Some Key Aspects

In addition to high reliability and climate neutrality, nuclear power’s apologists cite the greater safety and lower radioactive waste of the new reactor designs. In addition, nuclear power plants reduce dependence on problematic exporters of fossil fuels. Essentially, however, proponents and opponents have been putting forward the same arguments for decades. Public opinion remains divided and varies from country to country.

The technology is indeed developing. However, the first SMRs – Small Modular Reactors – are unlikely to go into operation before 2030. The economic viability of new construction projects remains a major challenge, as the new plants in the UK and Finland have shown. While state support for solar and wind projects is declining, this is not (yet?) the case for new nuclear power plants.

Significance for Carnot Capital

The future of nuclear technology remains vague due to high costs and safety concerns, which is why we are not directly involved. In addition, sustainability is controversial. Over the last 20 years, the production of nuclear power has remained more or less stable globally. Due to the high growth in renewable and fossil electricity production, the proportion has halved to around 10%. In terms of value, investments in renewable energies are currently around ten times higher. We are therefore looking for investment opportunities in the management of electricity grids, where requirements have risen sharply. Schneider Electric, ABB and BKW fall into this category.

 

Did You Know?

The first British coal-fired power station was started up by Thomas Edison in 1882, and the last one went out of operation at the end of September.

 

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The Appeal of Global Impact Funds

The Appeal of Global Impact Funds

Andres Gujan on the Attractive Investment Opportunity of Global Impact Funds

In today’s investment landscape, impact funds are becoming increasingly attractive. They offer a unique combination of financial returns and positive social and environmental effects. Through diversification, the use of expertise, a focus on growing sustainable markets, and transparency in impact reporting, these funds present a compelling investment opportunity. Investors looking to achieve their financial goals while making a positive contribution to the world will find global impact funds—such as Carnot Capital’s Carnot Efficient Resources Fund—a valuable and future-oriented investment choice.

The following key reasons highlight why they are a strong investment:

  • Dual Returns: Impact funds aim for both financial gains and measurable positive effects on society and the environment, allowing investors to align their capital with their values.
  • Diversification and Risk Mitigation: These funds invest globally across various sectors and regions, spreading risk and increasing portfolio stability.
  • Growing Demand for Sustainability: The rising global demand for sustainable solutions and increasing regulatory requirements create attractive growth opportunities for companies in which impact funds invest.
  • Professional Management: Global impact funds are often managed by experienced professionals with deep expertise in sustainable investing, enabling them to identify the best investment opportunities.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Impact funds place great importance on measuring and reporting their social and environmental impact, strengthening investor confidence and making the effects of their investments visible.

“The combination of financial returns and positive societal impact makes global impact funds a highly attractive and future-oriented investment opportunity.” Andres Gujan, Founder of Carnot Capital & Impact Portfolio Manager

Andres Gujan, February 13, 2025

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