October 21, 2026, Neckar Forum Esslingen
Dear Sir or Madam,
Overcapacity in global markets, rising tariffs and trade barriers, new international competitors, and the growing importance of electrification and software are currently shaping the global automotive industry. The sector is undergoing a profound structural transformation, resulting in significant shifts in global value chains.
Against this backdrop, a key question arises: How can automotive suppliers in Baden-Württemberg leverage their strengths to actively participate in the growth opportunities offered by international markets while safeguarding jobs? And what distinguishes our supplier industry in this rapidly changing environment?
In Baden-Württemberg, the challenge is to combine our long-standing commitment to quality and technological excellence with innovation, rapid product development and manufacturing capabilities, and competitive cost structures. Innovation is not only a driver of technological progress but also a fundamental prerequisite for value creation and long-term competitiveness. At the same time, the quality of products and processes remains a decisive success factor in international competition.
Digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence are opening up new opportunities for products, processes, and business models. To remain competitive, companies must maintain and further expand their technological expertise, invest in the targeted qualification of their workforce, and actively shape the transformation process. Competitiveness is achieved where innovation, adaptability, and workforce development go hand in hand.
The Automotive Suppliers' Day Baden-Württemberg 2026 places the future viability of Baden-Württemberg's supplier industry at the center of the discussion. The event highlights strategies for strengthening industrial performance, innovations that enhance competitiveness, and opportunities in international markets. Practical examples will demonstrate how companies successfully combine quality and efficiency, build resilient supply chains, and unlock new market potential. In addition, the conference provides valuable insights into international developments, regulatory frameworks, and global growth markets.
Strengthening competitiveness also requires close cross-border collaboration, particularly with European partners. Through its accompanying matchmaking exhibition and the participation of international partners from Belgium, Finland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Canada, the Automotive Supplier Day offers numerous opportunities to establish new business contacts, initiate collaborations, and expand existing networks.
Together with companies, industry associations, and partners, the Automotive Suppliers' Day Baden-Württemberg provides valuable impetus for the successful transformation of the automotive industry and its suppliers. The annual event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Skilled Crafts and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg and e-mobil BW GmbH, the State Agency for New Mobility Solutions and Automotive Baden-Württemberg.
Take this opportunity to meet a wide range of companies and start-ups and gain valuable insights from the conference to support your own work. We look forward to welcoming you to Esslingen.
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, MdL
Minister of Economic Affairs, Skilled Crafts and Tourism of the State of Baden-Württemberg
Franz Loogen
Managing Director of the State Agency for New Mobility Solutions and Automotive Baden-Württemberg – e-mobil BW GmbH
