Kontron, a global provider of IoT and embedded computer technology, has secured a new European customer for its 5G Automotive Network Access Devices (NADs), which are developed and manufactured in Germany. The modules will be integrated into the vehicle platform of a leading European car manufacturer. Initially, Kontron expects to supply around 150,000 5G NAD modules, worth a double-digit million figure, with the potential to more than triple the supply volume if the technology is rolled out to further vehicle platforms.
The modules are manufactured at Kontron's new production facility in Düsseldorf, where production officially began on 13 July 2026. With development in Berlin and manufacturing in Düsseldorf, Kontron is currently the only provider worldwide to develop 5G communication modules in Europe and manufacture them in Germany. This contract represents a significant milestone in Kontron's strategy to establish a European alternative to non-European suppliers of mobile communications modules, as it marks the first time these modules will be used in a vehicle platform of a European car manufacturer.
5G communications modules play a key role in digital transformation, used in vehicles, industrial plants, rail systems, and critical infrastructure. In view of increasing demands for cyber security, supply chain resilience, and technological sovereignty, the availability of European communication modules is becoming strategically important. By developing and manufacturing in Germany, Kontron offers short supply chains, high quality standards, and a trustworthy European supply chain.
“This order demonstrates that European OEMs and their suppliers are placing increasing emphasis on technological independence, cybersecurity, and resilient supply chains. Our 5G modules, which are developed and manufactured in Germany, provide a high-performance and reliable solution to these issues,” says Hannes Niederhauser, CEO of Kontron AG.
The NADs now commissioned form the communication interface for modern software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and enable functions such as over-the-air updates, vehicle connectivity, remote diagnostics, and future V2X applications. With the new production line in Düsseldorf, Kontron is expanding its position as a European supplier of secure and high-performance 5G communication modules for automotive, industrial, and rail applications.
This development underscores the shift toward European technological sovereignty and has implications for the broader industry. For business and technology leaders, the contract signals a growing demand for locally sourced, secure communication modules that reduce reliance on non-European suppliers. The move could influence other OEMs to prioritize European-made components, particularly in sectors like automotive and critical infrastructure, where cybersecurity and supply chain resilience are paramount. Kontron's ability to scale production in Germany may also set a precedent for reshoring high-tech manufacturing, impacting global supply chain dynamics.
For more information, visit Kontron's website or follow Kontron on LinkedIn.
