17 Editorial Dear readers, “Et hätt noch immer jot jejange” (It‘s always worked out fine in the past) – this piece of wisdom from Cologne‘s unwritten constitution best describes the mood in the German automotive industry following the conclusion of the customs agreement between the European Community and the US. A 15 percent tariff on exports to the US is certainly no cause for celebration. But the burden is significantly lower than the 27.5 percent special tariffs that the US has been imposing on European car imports since April, or the 30 percent originally threatened. The bottom line is an increase in import tariffs from 2.5 to 15 percent, which our manufacturers in the US market will have to absorb. In return, the EU is lowering tariffs on US-made vehicles from 10 percent to zero percent. Given the very US-market-specific model policy of American manufacturers, it is unlikely that this will trigger a flood of American cars onto European markets. European manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which also produce for the European market in the US, will benefit from this. Brands such as Porsche and Audi will have to consider the extent to which it will be necessary to build up their own production capacities in the US for their US market presence. It is to be hoped that this agreement will bring this trade dispute to an end, at least for the time being. It establishes a clear framework for the future, which will increase predictability and is therefore essential for creating prospects for the future. And this is urgently needed for our domestic automotive and supplier industry. The enormous challenges posed by issues such as e-mobility, connectivity, autonomous driving, and the use of AI in vehicles will continue to shape the development of our industry. China challenges our industry not only as a market, but also as a manufacturer and supplier. Stable trade relations and regulations are essential in this environment, as each of these challenges involves immense future investments. However, these can only be financed on a solid future basis with largely stable framework conditions. In this respect, the agreement between the EU and the US contributes to the future stability of our industry because it minimizes risks or at least makes them calculable and predictable. The special edition OEM&Supplier “Autoregionen International” is published twice a year in March and August with networked content and background information on companies and products. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this issue for their excellent and trusting cooperation. You are all cordially invited to participate in the next issue, which is expected to be published again in March 2026, with articles, interviews, company presentations, and advertisements. Your editorial team Elisabeth Klock and Dr. Rudolf Müller P. S. Please also visit our trade press portal www.oemundlieferant.de Dr. Rudolf Müller Elisabeth Klock
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