At the same time, these developments offer opportunities for repositioning and improving competitiveness.

Looking beyond the current horizon is essential. Production strategies for upcoming vehicle generations and their successors are largely set, and with product lifecycles of 6–8 years, today’s decisions will impact the next two decades. In 2040+ the automotive landscape will be shaped by sustainability, cost effectiveness and flexibility.

By embracing transparency, investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, and integrating circular economy principles, suppliers can establish themselves as key players in the evolving value chain. The decisions made today will not only determine how automotive suppliers weather current challenges but also define their role in the next era of automotive innovation. The goal of this report is to outline practical strategies for automotive suppliers to prepare for future demands.