Cars with lightweight parts belong to the future, including in the Olpe region. Here suppliers, higher education institutions, and local authorities established the joint venture Automotive Center South Westphalia. With bundled competencies, they are driving the development of coveted hybrid metal and components, something a small or medium-sized business would generally not be able to do. The reciprocal knowledge transfer is strengthening universities and companies. The rural region is becoming more attractive for young workers and specialists. And small and medium-sized suppliers can position themselves to win new high-tech contracts from automotive manufacturers.