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This case report explores the UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) transition from internal combustion engines to electric drive and how the shift will impact the assembly tooling industry. A multiple-case study at manufacturing plants was complemented by an exploratory survey with key stakeholders in the industry. The findings showed that the transition to electric drive is still in its infancy and is likely to accelerate soon. Electric vehicles were generally found to contain fewer components and thus have fewer applications for tightening tools in their assembly. Much of the difference comes from the fact that electric engines require far fewer tightening operations compared to internal combustion engines. However, the assembly of electric components and battery packs requires new advanced tooling solutions. When transitioning to electric drives, manufacturers were found to source their battery packs and electric engines most commonly from external suppliers. This can displace the tooling industry’s business within the segment. Several opportunities and challenges for assembly tool suppliers were identified. Firstly, the transition to electric drive will likely generate significant tooling needs on the manufacturers side. Electric vehicles tend to require more advanced tools and solutions, which likely will benefit premium tool suppliers with Industry 4.0 solutions. There are, however, long-term challenges as electric UTVs have fewer components and fewer tightenings in their assembly process. One long-term opportunity that could potentially offset the decline in tightenings within final assembly is battery pack assembly. This process does not only require a lot of advanced tightenings, but there are also opportunities for other joining techniques. Thus, the assembly tooling business’ biggest opportunities within the UTV industry are likely to shift from the vehicle’s final- to battery pack assembly. Full article