October 8, 2025, Neckar Forum Esslingen
The automotive industry is undergoing structural changes worldwide in 2025: the reduction of overcapacities, regionally consolidating value chains in Asia, Europe, and North America, increasing market protectionism, and intense innovation competition are shaping the industry. Even well-established international brands of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are facing significant market pressure, while at the same time, new players are entering the market. In this environment of uncertainty, personal exchange and the establishment of new collaborations around innovative technologies are of outstanding importance. Now more than ever, the Automotive Suppliers' Day Baden-Württemberg is the right place to make future plans and ensure long-term success.
The development speed of new products is increasing significantly. Product cycles are becoming shorter. Product differentiation is increasingly derived from the vehicle’s connectivity and its interaction with drivers, passengers, and the surrounding environment. Customers expect flawless, high-quality overall performance from the drivetrain, vehicle, and software – and this throughout the entire product lifecycle. Regular updates and further developments in both software and hardware are expected even during the vehicle’s usage phase. At the same time, requirements for emission reductions, energy efficiency, and compliance with global regulations are also increasing.
This presents major challenges for suppliers across the automotive value chain. Accordingly, this year’s Supplier Day focuses – in addition to a comprehensive market analysis – particularly on the topics of "software-defined production" and "software-defined vehicles". Even suppliers of mechanical components are increasingly faced with the need to enhance their products with software modules. As a result, the program and a dedicated workshop will address the creation and integration of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) – a growing area of relevance for suppliers. These diverse innovations open up new growth opportunities for the supplier industry.
To strengthen their competitive position, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to find suitable partners and build targeted collaborations at both the international and European levels. At the 27th Automotive Suppliers' Day Baden-Württemberg, you will have the opportunity to network with representatives from this year’s partner countries: Belgium, the United Kingdom, Finland, Canada, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Malaysia.
In addition to the presentation program, the accompanying matchmaking exhibition offers excellent opportunities for networking between players from large, medium, and small enterprises, academia, and emerging start-ups. The full program is expected to be published in June 2025. You are welcome to register today using the registration form. Participation is free of charge. Space is limited. Binding registration is requested.
The Automotive Suppliers' Day Baden-Württemberg is part of the Strategic Dialogue for the Automotive Sector in Baden-Württemberg and is jointly organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the State of Baden-Württemberg and e-mobil BW - the State Agency for New Mobility Solutions and Automotive Baden-Württemberg.
Take the opportunity to gain valuable insights. We look forward to welcoming you personally at the Neckar Forum Esslingen (Ebershaldenstraße 12, 73728 Esslingen am Neckar).
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut
Member of the State Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg
Franz Loogen
Managing Director of the State Agency for New Mobility Solutions and Automotive Baden-Württemberg – e-mobil BW GmbH
