Global Automotive & Interior/Exterior Components Update – Q3 2025

Global vehicle demand remains stable in 2025, with production above pre-2022 levels. China leads growth (H1 sales +6.1%, NEV share ~42%), while the U.S. market holds steady at ~15.6M SAAR but shows mixed EV momentum (H1 record 607k units, Q2 EV sales −6.3% YoY). Europe is softer, with passenger-car registrations slightly negative YTD and BEVs at ~15% share.

EV adoption continues globally: after ~17M units in 2024 (+25% YoY), sales are projected to exceed 20M in 2025 (>25% of global share). Infrastructure keeps pace, with >1.3M public chargers added in 2024.

Policy shifts remain critical: the U.S. 100% tariff on China-made EVs (since May 2024) and EU provisional countervailing duties (since June 2024) are reshaping sourcing and localization strategies across Tier-1 suppliers.

Interior & Exterior Components Outlook

• Automation is accelerating: OEMs and Tier-1s are investing in robotic ultrasonic/vibration welding, lamination, and hot-pressing systems for door panels, instrument panels, and bumpers.

• Seamless fit and finish: demand is rising for automatic clip insertion and fastening equipment, improving precision and reducing takt time.

• EV-driven changes: exterior parts must integrate radar-transparent bumpers, sensor housings, and aerodynamic fascias, while interiors adopt lightweight modular cockpits with fewer manual fastening points.

• Quality assurance: inline vision systems, laser marking, and traceability are becoming standard in interior/exterior assembly lines.

Key Takeaways for H2 2025

1. Global EV sales remain on track for record highs despite regional volatility.

2. Automation in welding, lamination, and assembly is now a must-have for cost control and OEM quality demands.

3. Tariffs and localization pressures require dual sourcing and regionalized assembly equipment investment.

4. Interior & exterior suppliers that invest in advanced joining and automation technology are better positioned for the EV-dominated supply chain.