  Data science and machine learning are the key technologies when it comes to
the processes and products with automatic learning and optimization to be used
in the automotive industry of the future. This article defines the terms "data
science" (also referred to as "data analytics") and "machine learning" and how
they are related. In addition, it defines the term "optimizing analytics" and
illustrates the role of automatic optimization as a key technology in
combination with data analytics. It also uses examples to explain the way that
these technologies are currently being used in the automotive industry on the
basis of the major subprocesses in the automotive value chain (development,
procurement; logistics, production, marketing, sales and after-sales, connected
customer). Since the industry is just starting to explore the broad range of
potential uses for these technologies, visionary application examples are used
to illustrate the revolutionary possibilities that they offer. Finally, the
article demonstrates how these technologies can make the automotive industry
more efficient and enhance its customer focus throughout all its operations and
activities, extending from the product and its development process to the
customers and their connection to the product.
