65 Editorial Dear Readers, The mood in the German automotive industry appears to be brightening. According to the Munich-based Ifo Institute, the business climate barometer rose from minus 31.6 points to minus 23.8 points in June. And the half-year statistics for new car registrations in Germany seem to confirm this positive trend. Admittedly, we are still a long way from the figures seen before the coronavirus pandemic. In the first half of 2019, almost a quarter more vehicles were registered in Germany than in the current year. But something seems to be happening in the electric vehicle market. Even though the measures promised by politicians – such as a reduction in electricity tax – have not yet been implemented, new registrations of electric vehicles in the first half of 2025 rose by almost a third compared to the same period last year, to a quarter of a million units. Plug-in hybrids also experienced considerable growth, with a registration share of 9.9 percent, as did vehicles with hybrid drives, which achieved a remarkable 38.4 percent registration share. Other drive systems are now virtually irrelevant. Fuel cells, which were initially hailed as the next big thing, account for just 43 registered vehicles. The signs could not be clearer: electric drives with their hybrid modifications have established themselves as the alternative to combustion engines. Other drive systems are, at best, niche products. Looking at the registration statistics for electric vehicles separately by brand, it is surprising to note that eight of the top ten models are from the VW Group. The table is led by the VW ID 7 with 18,107 units. The Tesla Model Y follows in ninth place with 6,305 vehicles. Vehicles of Chinese origin do not appear in the top ranks – a sign of how difficult it is for new competitors to enter the market in Germany. However, all these positive signs should not obscure the fact that the situation facing our automotive and supplier industry remains difficult. Even though Chinese competitors are finding it difficult to gain a foothold in the German market, they are gaining ever greater market share with their models in their home market, at the expense of our manufacturers. Despite the improved business climate, the German economy also remains in a fragile state. The tariff conflict with the US appears to have been resolved, which on the one hand gives companies the necessary planning security again. On the other hand, the tariffs set at 15 percent are weighing on exports to the US to the tune of billions. In a recent analysis, the consulting firm Deloitte expects a 12 percent decline in German vehicle exports to the US, with a market value of around four billion euros per year. However, the positive signals from the German market should give us cause for optimism, as they show that our automotive industry is well on the way to regaining its former strength. As with previous issues, this edition of OEM&Lieferant is again available exclusively in digital form, with links, interactions, and networking to web content and social media providing additional information. We would like to thank all authors, interview partners, and advertisers for their excellent and trusting cooperation. The next issue of OEM&Lieferant is scheduled to appear in March 2026, and you are cordially invited to contribute with your articles, interviews, company presentations, or advertisements. Your editorial team Elisabeth Klock and Dr. Rudolf Müller Visit our trade press portal www.oemundlieferant.de And become a member of the LinkedIn specialist group LinkedIn-Gruppe OEM&Lieferant Dr. Rudolf Müller Elisabeth Klock
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjUzMzQ=