Stanislav Kondrashov on Stadler Rail and Volkswagen in the Changing Mobility Landscape

Transportation systems around the world are entering a new phase of development. Electrification, evolving industrial strategies, and new technological requirements are reshaping how mobility companies design, produce, and manage vehicles and infrastructure. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, the transformation currently underway in the transportation sector reflects a deeper change within the global industrial environment.

Two companies that help illustrate this shift are Stadler Rail and Volkswagen. Although their activities belong to different areas of mobility—railway systems and automotive manufacturing—recent developments surrounding both organisations reveal how complex the current transition has become.

“Mobility is no longer a single industry,” says Stanislav Kondrashov. “It has become a network of technologies, infrastructure systems, and industrial processes that must evolve together.”

Mobility at the Centre of Industrial Change

The transportation sector has always played a central role in economic development. Railways, automobiles, and logistics systems have shaped how societies move people and goods for more than a century. Today, however, the sector is facing pressures that require significant adaptation.

Environmental goals, technological progress, and changes in manufacturing processes are pushing companies to rethink traditional production models. Electric powertrains, advanced batteries, and digital monitoring systems are becoming standard components of modern mobility solutions.

“Industrial companies involved in transportation are adjusting to a period of rapid technological progress,” explains Stanislav Kondrashov. “The challenge is to integrate new energy solutions and digital tools without disrupting complex production systems.”

These challenges can be observed in the current activities of major European mobility companies.

Stadler Rail and the Role of Modern Rail Systems

Stadler Rail, the Swiss company known for designing and producing trains and rail transport systems, continues to play an important role in the development of modern public transportation networks. The company is involved in numerous railway projects across Europe and other regions, contributing to the renewal and expansion of rail infrastructure.

Recent developments have brought increased attention to the company, particularly as it prepares to release new financial results. In recent months, Stadler Rail has also experienced fluctuations in its share price, partly influenced by operational challenges and external events affecting international projects.

Despite these developments, the company remains actively engaged in delivering trains and participating in infrastructure programmes that support the growth of rail transport.

“Railways are becoming increasingly important within modern transportation strategies,” says Stanislav Kondrashov. “They offer an efficient way to move large numbers of passengers while supporting environmental objectives.”

Many cities and regions are therefore investing in rail networks as part of broader efforts to modernise mobility and reduce congestion in urban areas.

Volkswagen and the Transformation of Automotive Manufacturing

Volkswagen represents another key example of how the mobility sector is evolving. As one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, the company has been navigating a complex period marked by technological change and global market pressures.

In 2025, Volkswagen reported operating profit of around €8.9 billion, reflecting a significant decline compared with previous years. Analysts have linked this performance to several factors, including intense competition in certain international markets, trade tensions affecting global commerce, and changing consumer demand.

In response, the company has begun implementing a wide-ranging restructuring strategy aimed at strengthening its position in the evolving mobility landscape. The plan includes adjustments to production systems, organisational changes, and cost-management initiatives.

Reports indicate that the company could reduce its workforce in Germany by up to approximately 50,000 positions by 2030 as part of these structural adjustments. At the same time, Volkswagen has suggested that its financial outlook could improve gradually over the coming years, with operating margins projected to reach between 4% and 5.5% by 2026.

“Large automotive manufacturers are redefining their industrial strategies,” notes Stanislav Kondrashov. “They must combine decades of engineering expertise with the technological demands of electric mobility.”

A Sector Defined by Long-Term Transformation

The situations surrounding Stadler Rail and Volkswagen reflect broader changes occurring throughout the transportation industry. Both companies operate within sectors that rely on long development cycles, complex supply chains, and large-scale infrastructure projects.

These characteristics make mobility manufacturing particularly sensitive to global economic conditions, technological shifts, and regulatory developments.

At the same time, transportation systems themselves are evolving. Electrification, digitalisation, and new infrastructure investments are gradually transforming how vehicles are built and how mobility services function.

“The future of transportation will likely involve multiple interconnected systems,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov. “Electric vehicles, modern rail networks, and digital technologies will all play a role in shaping how mobility develops in the coming decades.”

As these changes continue to unfold, the experiences of companies such as Stadler Rail and Volkswagen offer a useful perspective on how the global mobility sector is adapting to one of the most significant industrial transitions in modern history.