Tariffs are dominating the conversation in the automotive industry. While the focus is warranted, and likely to increase through the rest of 2025, a key challenge for the industry is to balance the impact of tariffs with the broader direction shaping the global automotive landscape. Critical areas such as powertrain mix, software-defined vehicles, and long-term global manufacturing competitiveness demand continued understanding and investment.
Why? Simply put, suppliers that lose sight of the bigger picture risk falling behind. Regardless of the current U.S. domestic environment, the rest of the world, particularly China, is moving forward at full speed. Long-term viability requires breaking free from the overarching industry paralysis. Suppliers must strike a delicate balance between capturing short-term revenue and positioning for future success in a more software-driven, autonomous and electrified global market.
