STRATEGIC MARKET ANALYSIS FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

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MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH prepares strategic market analyses and individual market studies for OEMs, suppliers and service providers in the German automotive industry. A market analysis for automotive and automotive industry by MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH highlights , for example, market volume, market potential, competitors, target customers as well as success factors and trends in Germany's automotive market.

Automotive market research serves our clients as a reliable basis for decision-making when launching innovations, acquiring new customers, for strategy projects or for analyzing the competition nationally and internationally.

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CURRENT MARKET ANALYSIS PROJECTS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

For our clients, we develop customer-specific market analyses that are individually tailored to the respective requirements. Click on the project examples to learn about some exemplary market analysis projects in the automotive sector.

The merging of sensor data (sensor fusion) is a decisive factor in the further development of autonomous vehicle concepts. Data from radar, LIDAR, ultrasonic and other sensors must be analyzed in real time, compared against each other and converted into a vehicle response adapted to the situation. For a technology company planning investments in the field of automotive sensor fusion, we investigated the market situation in Europe and identified the key market players in hardware and software solutions for sensor fusion.

Voice interaction is playing an increasingly important role in modern vehicles as the interface between driver and vehicle. Using voice commands, the driver can easily and intuitively control important functions, e.g. for entertainment or comfort systems, without having to take his hands off the steering wheel. Voice interaction systems are increasingly capable of "understanding" the driver in his natural language and implementing complex voice commands. Voice-based systems can also be used to detect driver fatigue or moods and thus increase driving safety. In a comprehensive market analysis of the European market for voice interaction technologies, we examined the market situation and leading solution and technology providers for hardware and software for voice control systems.

"Electric, fully networked, autonomous" - this is how leading OEMs describe the future of the automobile. The electrification of the powertrain and ancillary units in particular has a massive impact on suppliers in the field of hydraulic components for the powertrain, brakes, steering and chassis. Our client, a globally active system supplier of fluid technology components in the automotive sector, commissioned us with a comprehensive strategy analysis of market development, competitive reactions and possible growth areas in the course of the electrification of main and auxiliary units.

Increasing comfort, emission and safety requirements in vehicles worldwide are providing manufacturers of bearings, springs, dampers and absorbers with steady growth rates. For an internationally active manufacturer of vibration control solutions and automotive anti-vibration systems, we compiled an overview of the market and leading companies, their strategies, M&A activities and global production networks. Based on our detailed analysis, our client continues to expand its position in Europe, North and South America and the Asian region.

The expected strong growth in the market for vehicles with electric drives and the associated changes in the automotive value chain are also occupying the machine builders involved. Our client, a leading global manufacturer of high-precision machining centers, wants to adapt to the new market situation at an early stage and serve attractive target customers, who will manufacture complex housings for automotive electric motors in the future, with new machine solutions. To this end, the Swabian machine manufacturer commissioned us with a structured global analysis of the manufacturer landscape of electric motor housings in e-vehicles.

LED technology has revolutionized automotive lighting. Already predominantly standard in daytime running lights and taillights, LED lighting systems are now increasingly finding their way into the main headlights of vehicles. Within the next 8-10 years, market participants expect LED penetration in front headlights to increase sharply to more than 50%. For suppliers and manufacturers of lighting technology systems, controls and modules, this will significantly change the value chain compared to conventional halogen or xenon headlights. For our client, one of the world's leading manufacturers of automotive lighting technology systems, we developed a comprehensive market, competition and technology overview of market opportunities and challenges for LED lighting modules and LED control units. The results of the market analysis are an important basis for long-term development and investment plans of our client.

"What cooling concepts will vehicles with hybrid and all-electric powertrains use in the future?" We investigated this question for a system supplier of fluid technology components in the automotive market. Different cooling concepts, from conventional glycol-based systems to air cooling, convection systems, PCM, and novel refrigerant-based solutions (e.g. in the BMW i3) can be found on the market. Through a comprehensive market analysis, we developed a market overview and an outlook on the technological developments of the next years in this field.

Our client, an international production and trading group in the plastics sector, planned the acquisition of a compounder in the German automotive market. The focus was on compounders of so-called "engineered plastics" with demanding applications in the automotive market. Our team compiled a comprehensive long list of suitable target companies for the acquisition and supported the investor in selecting attractive target companies.

ECUs are playing an increasingly important role in modern passenger cars and commercial vehicles. For vehicles with low volumes, manufacturers are increasingly using universal ECUs as part of platform strategies, which can be adapted to the respective requirements of the application with little effort. Particularly in buses, trucks, agricultural machinery and construction equipment, OEMs are also using universal ECUs to control important functions in the vehicle. The study examined the market potential, future market development, the competitive situation, and key customer requirements and market trends in the market for universal control units for European vehicle manufacturers. Based on the analysis, the client, a global electronics supplier, is making targeted preparations for the development and market launch of its new universal control unit.

Lightweight construction plays a central role in achieving lower CO2 emissions for conventional drives and also for vehicles with alternative drive concepts. Suppliers with lightweight construction expertise are sought-after partners of OEMs. As part of the strategic further development of a development and testing company in the automotive market, we analyzed the market situation and supplier landscape in the lightweight construction market segments of aluminum, polymers/lightweight plastics, natural fiber-reinforced plastics, high-strength and super-strength steel, and carbon fiber and glass fiber-reinforced plastics.

Increasing variant diversity, high cost pressure and the localization of production pose increasing challenges for toolmaking at OEMs and suppliers. Against this background, leading vehicle manufacturers such as BMW, Audi or Daimler are investing significantly in the expansion of toolmaking expertise and the associated plant technology. For a leading supplier of machine controls on milling systems, which are also used in toolmaking, we investigated market potential, competitive situation and customer requirements/trends in automotive toolmaking. Among other things, we conducted in-depth interviews with toolmaking executives at the most important toolmaking locations of BMW and Daimler.

For a leading German premium automotive manufacturer, we analyzed the global market for trim parts made of wood, aluminum and plastics for interior and exterior applications. More than 100 potential suppliers worldwide were identified, screened and evaluated in a structured manner. Based on the comprehensive market overview, the purchasing and development departments have the opportunity to broaden the supplier structure and also to establish new local suppliers for the global plants.

The rapid increase in safety and comfort electronics in vehicles in recent years has led to a significant growth in the number of decentralized control units in modern vehicles. Some luxury class vehicles, for example, now have 100 or more control units on board. The growing use of assistance systems through to partially and fully autonomous driving functionalities (ADAS) is leading to additional demand for data and sensor integration. In the medium term, vehicle manufacturers are therefore focusing on the consolidation and centralization of their electronics architectures in future vehicle platforms and are increasingly using central control units/ domain controllers for this purpose. For our client, an internationally active electronics manufacturer in the automotive sector, we investigated the market situation and the future potential in the area of automotive domain controllers for a new product development.

We analyzed the market status, competitive situation and future trends in the field of vehicle acoustics for a development service provider. Based on the market analysis, the customer was able to expand its business in this area in a targeted manner.

We analyzed market entry potentials in the automotive lighting market for a supplier. As part of the analysis, we identified suitable application areas, determined customers and their requirements, analyzed the competition and key trends in the market. The analysis serves as a basis for the market entry strategy.

We analyzed the market for fiber-reinforced thermoplastics in Europe for an industrial holding company. In the context of an M&A strategy of the client, we identified and analyzed more than 30 important market players with competencies in the processing of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics in this project. Fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are mainly used in the automotive and aerospace industries, and the market for fiber-reinforced thermoplastics is considered one of the most promising segments in the field of plastics processing.

For a leading vehicle tuner, we analyzed the global market for vehicle accessories and vehicle tuning. Among other things, market size and growth potential, important market segments as well as customer requirements and trends in the global automotive accessories market were examined. The results of the analysis are incorporated into strategic planning for the expansion of activities and new product development in the manufacturer's automotive accessories business.

For a supplier, we analyzed market potential in various segments of the agricultural machinery market worldwide. Potentials and their needs were systematically analyzed and evaluated via interviews with potential target customers.

For a financial service provider in the automotive environment, we analyzed competitive offers in the area of financing and leasing conditions as well as special key account offers. The analysis served as a basis for ongoing market monitoring.

The market for trucks and commercial vehicles is also being shaped by key industry trends such as electrification, connectivity and autonomization. In the market analysis on technical trends in the truck market, we examined the development activities of leading truck OEMs such as Daimler Trucks, Traton and Volvo in the areas of powertrain/ new drives (e.g. electrification/hydrogen), chassis, brakes and transmission. In addition, we examined the strategic trends at Tier 1 suppliers such as ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions, Knorr Bremse, Bosch, Meritor and Dana.

The role of electronics and sensor technology in the automotive sector is steadily increasing. The technological development towards connected, autonomous and electric vehicles is driving the demand for electronic components and automotive sensors. For a leading technology provider in the field of industrial bonding technology, we investigated the U.S. market for bonding technology in the electronics and sensor sector. In the market analysis, we identified the leading electronics and sensor companies in the automotive sector in the US. The market analysis was the basis for our client to systematically develop the market segment in the USA.

For an investor in the automotive environment, we analyzed the market for safety systems in passenger cars worldwide as part of an M&A decision. The analysis examined market size, growth prospects, key suppliers in the field of vehicle safety systems and trends as well as regulations in the market.

For an automotive supplier, we investigated market size, growth, key vendors and trends in the global market for exhaust gas recirculation coolers.

For a supplier of electronic components for passenger car and commercial vehicle test benches, we analyzed the market situation, key manufacturers and technical trends in the European test bench market. The analysis served as a basis for the targeted development of the market segment.

For a rental service provider in the automotive market, we analyzed potential for taking over fleet management services from non-European OEMs in the German market. Based on the analysis, the customer was able to develop the market in a targeted manner.

For a supplier in the automotive glazing sector, we analyzed the global market for head-up displays in the passenger car sector. The analysis served as a basis for the expansion of the supplier's business in this market.

For a trade fair company, we analyzed development trends and leading manufacturers in the market for automotive switches and control panels. The analysis served as the basis for the expansion of an existing industry trade fair to include a promising technology area.

We analyzed the segment of extruded flat cables in automotive applications for an investor. The results of the analysis were incorporated into an M&A decision.

We analyzed market potential and the competitive situation at regional level for a rental service provider in the automotive sector. The results of the analysis formed the basis for the targeted expansion of activities in attractive regions.

For an investor, we analyzed the global market for aluminum die casting products in the automotive environment. The focus of the analysis was the identification of manufacturers in North America, South America and China.

For a manufacturer of automotive infotainment solutions in the OEM sector, we analyzed market size, competitive situation and market trends in the global market. The analysis served as a basis for the targeted strategic development of the supplier.

We analyzed the global market for slush molding equipment for a supplier of equipment technology in the field of automotive interior manufacturing. The analysis was the basis for the planned entry of an investor into the company.

For an internationally active testing and certification company, we analyzed the demand for non-destructive testing services in the context of a planned market entry. Through interviews with quality and testing managers, we identified market potential, customer requirements and key competitors in the market for NDT services.

For a manufacturer of industrial furnaces, which are primarily used by suppliers in the automotive sector, we analyzed the market situation in Germany and Europe in the context of a planned investment.

For a manufacturer of high-precision machining centers, we compiled an overview of the global market for air-conditioning compressors, the leading manufacturers of air-conditioning compressors and their production sites worldwide. The analysis was the basis for the expansion of the client's sales activities in the market.

The acoustic and thermal insulation of the engine compartment and other vehicle components is becoming increasingly important, in vehicles with modern downsized combustion engines, but also in the field of electromobility. For our client, an international supplier of plastic and foam products for the automotive sector, we analyzed the market situation and the leading suppliers in the market for engine insulation and engine encapsulation.

Electric drive axles are an essential component in many e-vehicles of the future. Numerous OEMs and suppliers are developing concepts in the field of e-axles, and market players such as Bosch and Continental expect a market worth billions in the foreseeable future. For our client, a component supplier for the axle sector, we investigated the market situation, the activities of the leading manufacturers as well as the competitive situation in the market from the perspective of our client.

What market opportunities does the future of autonomous, connected vehicles offer for suppliers outside the electronics and software sector? How will self-driving vehicles affect the overall market and the demand for certain vehicle components? How will service concepts and spare parts requirements change in the context of a "shared mobility" future? We were commissioned by a leading international automotive supplier to analyze the market and competitive perspective on this issue.

The penetration rate of autonomy level 3 in passenger cars will increase to approximately 14- 21% by 2025, leading to strong growth in HOD (hands off detection) sensors and systems. Currently, premium OEMs dominate the market for L3 vehicles, but in the future, volume brands will also increasingly adapt the technology, contributing to significantly increasing unit sales of HOD systems. New technologies such as camera-based driver monitoring systems, multi-zone HOD solutions and the development of entirely new steering wheel systems in highly autonomous vehicles are leading to significant dynamics in the market for hands-off detection solutions. Against this background, we investigated the market situation, leading players and major trends in the market for hands off detection systems for a Japanese Tier1 supplier.

The automotive megatrends towards autonomous, connected and software-defined vehicles will lead to significantly increasing data rates in upcoming vehicle platforms. Statements from leading OEMs show that multi-gig data rates between 6 and 9 Gdps for SOP 2026+ models are of great importance from the OEMs' perspective. For example, BMW sees multi-gig Ethernet as the right technology to meet the future challenges of new vehicle architectures. VW, too, will move to zone-based architectures for its next-generation platforms, paving the way for Ethernet-based backbones. Against the backdrop of this attractive market environment, we investigated the market, competition and trends in the multi-gig Ethernet connector market for our client, a leading developer of automotive connectors.

MARKET ANALYSIS TOP 100 AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIERS GERMANY 2021

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The 2021 ranking: In our market analysis Automotive Suppliers Germany 2021 by MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH, we systematically examine the leading 100 automotive suppliers in Germany.

Facts about the company and the industry: The market analysis "Automotive Suppliers Germany 2021" surveyed the current sales development of the top 100 suppliers headquartered and manufacturing in Germany, the development of the companies' profits and the distribution by product groups manufactured. The Munich-based market analysts also analyzed the regional distribution of the industry in Germany.

Automotive suppliers under pressure: Sales of the 100 largest automotive suppliers in Germany fell by an average of 13 percent in 2020. In absolute terms, the sales of the largest companies in the sector in Germany are thus roughly at the same level as in 2015. The profitability of the TOP 100 automotive suppliers in Germany, measured by the EBIT margin, averaged -3.5 percent in 2020. A downward trend in the profitability of the TOP 100 companies was already apparent in the two pre-Corona years 2018 and 2019. For example, the average EBIT margin fell from 4.8% (2017) to 1.9% (2018) and 0.8% (2019).

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Download our free market analysis AUTOMOBILE SUPPLIERS Germany 2021 as pdf

Download Top 100 Automotive Suppliers DE 2021

OUR SPECIALTY: NICHES AND SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGIES

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Automotive market analyses by MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH often focus on niche markets, product innovations and technologically challenging topics . In such environments, conventional market studies by large market research providers often provide hardly any useful data.

We use a proven, systematic analysis approach for market research in the automotive sector that takes all relevant data sources into account.

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In the case of particularly demanding automotive market analyses, we also integrate an extensive network of industry experts, which enables us to obtain valuable in-depth information on the market, potential, customer requirements and trends.

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COMING ON STRONG: DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY FOR AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIERS

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Increasingly, we also support automotive suppliers in opening up new sectors and sales potential outside the automotive industry. Growing pressure from OEMs and below-average margins are prompting many company leaders to look more systematically at the opportunities offered by other application areas.

Whether in medical technology, energy technology or robotics and automation, our market potential analyses assess the opportunities for automotive suppliers in new markets in a structured and reliable manner.

EXPERIENCE SINCE 2007 - OUR REFERENCES

Managing directors, sales managers, strategy and business development managers at more than 100 client companies rely on our meticulous market analyses for one central reason: the uncompromising quality and resilience of the results of our market analyses. Our demanding customers also appreciate the personal and open cooperation with our team and express this in numerous references - please get an impression yourself.

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INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING FOR YOUR MARKET ANALYSIS

Trustful personal cooperation and the high quality and resilience of our analyses are top priorities at MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH.

 We would be happy to advise you intensively and without obligation in the run-up to a possible cooperation on a market study, if desired also at a personal appointment at your site. We look forward to your inquiry!

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