Essen has strong ties to the automotive industry due to its location in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) – a region that has a rich industrial past that has fed into the powerhouse of German auto manufacturing. The region serves as a remarkable pivotal hub for the automotive sector in the country. Home to major car manufacturers like Ford and Daimler, along with a thriving network of suppliers, NRW has consistently contributed to the nation's automotive engine. It’s also key to note that Essen, and North Rhine-Westphalia by greater extension, possess a well-developed system of automotive suppliers. ThyssenKrupp AG is a conglomerate that embodies the nation's industrial legacy. Established through the merger of Thyssen and Krupp, this diversified group retains its status as Germany's largest steel producer. Within its vast organizational structure, Automotive Technology stands as a crucial division actively engaged as an automotive supplier. The product portfolio of ThyssenKrupp's Automotive Technology division spans a wide spectrum, including camshafts, steering and damper systems, springs, stabilizers, and axle module assembly. Moreover, the company plays a pivotal role as a partner to the automotive industry, contributing to key body and powertrain production processes. With an impressive sales figure of approximately 5.4 billion euros in 2018 - 2019 and a workforce of 26,000 employees spread across over 60 global locations, ThyssenKrupp Automotive Technology is a driving force in Essen’s automotive landscape. Another major player that needs recognition is Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA, founded in 1899 as Westfälische Metall-Industrie Aktien-Gesellschaft. The company has a remarkable history intertwined with the automotive industry. Operating across 125 locations in more than 35 countries and employing approximately 39,000 individuals, Hella is a global automotive player. Hella's operations span three distinct business divisions: Automotive, Aftermarket and Special Applications. Within the Automotive sector, the company specializes in manufacturing lamps, headlamps, and interior lighting for vehicles, as well as camera-based driver assistance systems.