STRATEGIC MARKET ANALYSIS FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

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.

CURRENT MARKET ANALYSIS PROJECTS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

We develop customer-specific market and competition analyses for our clients that are individually tailored to the respective requirements. Click on the project examples to get to know some exemplary market analysis projects in the automotive sector.

The design and functionality of vehicle interiors and infotainment solutions are becoming an increasingly important reason for purchasing vehicles. For a leading supplier in the field of interior solutions (instrument panels, center consoles and door panels), we examined the market development for integrated touch solutions, lighting solutions and function-integrated components.

Merging a wide range 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 with each other and converted into a vehicle response adapted to the situation. For an international technology company planning to invest 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.

Die intelligente Sprachsteuerung (Voice Interaction) nimmt in modernen Fahrzeuggenerationen eine zunehmend wichtige Rolle als Schnittstelle zwischen Fahrer und Fahrzeug ein. Über einfache Sprachkommandos kann der Fahrer wichtige Funktionen z.B. für Entertainment oder Komfortsysteme intuitiv steuern, ohne die Hände vom Lenkrad nehmen zu müssen. Voice Interaction Systeme sind dabei zunehmend in der Lage, den Fahrer in seiner natürlichen Sprache zu “verstehen”und komplexe Sprachkommandos umzusetzen. Zudem können stimmbasierte Systeme dazu genutzt werden, Ermüdungszustände oder Stimmungen beim Fahrer zu erkennen und so die Fahrsicherheit zu steigern. In einer umfassenden Marktanalyse zum europäischen Markt für Voice Interaction Technologies untersuchten wir Marktsituation und führende Lösungs- und Technologieanbieter bei Hard- und Software für Sprachsteuerungssysteme.

"Electric, connected, autonomous" - this is how OEMs describe the future of the automobile. The electrification of auxiliary units in particular has a massive impact on suppliers of hydraulic components for brakes, steering and chassis. Our client, a global system supplier of fluid technology components in the automotive and commercial vehicle sector, commissioned us with a comprehensive strategy analysis on market development, competitive reactions and potential growth areas in the course of the electrification of selected auxiliary units.

Increasing comfort, emission and safety requirements in vehicles around the world are resulting in steady growth rates for manufacturers of bearings, springs, dampers and absorbers. Especially with particularly quiet all-electric drives, even the smallest background noise is much more disruptive. For an internationally active manufacturer of vibration control solutions and automotive anti-vibration systems, we developed an overview of the market and leading companies, their strategies, M&A activities and global production networks. Based on our detailed analysis, our client is further expanding its position in Europe, North and South America and Asia.

The rapidly growing international market for vehicles with electric drives and the associated changes in the automotive value chain are also keeping the mechanical engineering companies involved busy. Our client, a leading global manufacturer of high-precision machining centers/turning and milling centers, wants to adapt to the new market situation at an early stage and provide new machine solutions to attractive target customers who will be manufacturing complex housings for automotive electric motors in the future. To this end, the Swabian machine manufacturer commissioned us with a structured global analysis of the manufacturer landscape for electric motor housings/engine housings in electric vehicles.

LED technology has revolutionized automotive lighting. Standard in daytime running lights and rear lights, LED lighting systems are now increasingly finding their way into the headlights of vehicles. Within the next 8-10 years, market participants expect a sharp increase in LED penetration in front headlights to more than 50% in all vehicle classes. For suppliers and manufacturers of lighting technology systems, control units 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 the market opportunities and challenges for LED light modules and LED control units. The results of the market analysis are an important basis for our client's long-term development and investment plans.

"Where are the cooling concepts of future generations of hybrid and fully electric vehicles heading?" 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 innovative refrigerant-based solutions can be found on the market. Through a comprehensive market and competition analysis, we developed a market overview and an outlook on the technological developments of the coming years in this area.

An international production and trading group in the plastics sector was planning to acquire a medium-sized compounder in the German automotive market. The focus was on compounders of so-called "engineered plastics" with sophisticated applications in the automotive and commercial vehicle market. Our team drew up a comprehensive long-list of suitable target companies for the acquisition and supported the investor in selecting attractive target companies.

Control units (ECUs) are playing an increasingly important role in modern passenger cars and commercial vehicles. As part of platform strategies, manufacturers are increasingly using so-called universal ECUs in vehicles with low production volumes, which can be adapted to the respective requirements of the application with little effort. OEMs are also using universal control units for buses, trucks, agricultural machinery and construction machinery in particular in order to achieve cost benefits. The study examined the market potential, future market development, the competitive situation as well as 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 preparing the development and market launch of its new innovative universal control unit in a targeted manner.

Lightweight construction plays a central role in achieving lower CO2 emissions in conventional drives and also in vehicles with electric drive concepts. Suppliers with expertise in lightweight construction are sought-after partners for OEMs. As part of the strategic 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 as well as 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.

As part of a planned company takeover, we analyzed the market for fibre-reinforced thermoplastics in Europe. For the client's M&A strategy, we identified and analyzed more than 30 important market participants with expertise in the processing of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. Fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are primarily 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 supplier of fluid technology components, we analyzed market potential in various segments of the agricultural machinery market worldwide. Potentials and their requirements were systematically analyzed and evaluated through 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. At the same time, the industry is under considerable competitive and cost pressure. 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. We also 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 2025

The 2025 ranking: In our market analysis Automotive Suppliers Germany 2025 by MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH, we systematically examine the leading 100 automotive suppliers in Germany.

Company and industry facts: The market analysis "Automotive Suppliers Germany 2025" surveyed the current sales development of the top 100 suppliers based and manufacturing in Germany, the development of company profits and the distribution by product group manufactured. The Munich-based market analysts also analyzed the regional distribution of the industry in Germany.

Turnover and employment (still) up, profitability ambiguous: the total turnover of the German TOP 100 automotive suppliers will amount to €279 billion in 2023. Compared to the crisis year 2020, the turnover of the top 100 players has thus increased significantly again in recent years. The average turnover of the TOP 100 is growing at a CAGR of 6.9%, from €2,600 million in 2019 to €3,400 million in 2023. This development also confirms the trend towards further consolidation among automotive suppliers. However, a significant portion of the increase in sales is also likely to be caused by inflation and the associated price increases, accompanied by higher material prices. The number of employees at the major automotive suppliers under review has increased significantly since 2019, with an average growth rate of around 4.5% p.a. However, in view of the large-scale job reduction plans currently announced by many major players, this trend is likely to come to a standstill from 2024 and at the latest when it is implemented in 2025. There are very large differences in the development of profitability, with some companies recently becoming significantly more profitable. At the same time, there are also numerous suppliers with losses in the middle to lower ranks of the ranking.

Download our free market analysis AUTOMOBILE SUPPLIERS Germany 2025 as pdf

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OUR SPECIALTY: NICHES AND SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGIES

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.

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.

COMING ON STRONG: DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY FOR AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIERS

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.

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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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