Marc Siemssen (Meyle): "We have to choose the location of our warehouses very carefully."

Marc Siemssen: We are recording double-digit growth. Over the last three years, we have been on the right track, and this is continuing in 2025. We have kept up good relationships with our customers and have managed to win new ones, for example in France and the United States. Our localisation strategy has been very effective. 2026 looks very promising as there is still strong growth potential worldwide. We are establishing entities in new countries to be closer to our customers, better understand their needs and provide solutions to their problems. This involves setting up warehouses, as we have done in Poland, and wherever else we deem it appropriate. We remain a family-owned business and have to choose the location of our warehouses carefully, as each one represents a significant investment. 

M. S.: I strongly believe that it will continue to grow, with differences from one country to another. But from a political point of view, the situation is a little unclear and there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding new car sales. Manufacturers are still under pressure in Europe, with fierce competition from their Chinese counterparts. Consumers will probably continue to turn to cheaper cars.

M. S.: I strongly believe that it will continue to grow, with differences from one country to another. But from a political point of view, the situation is a little unclear and there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding new car sales. Manufacturers are still under pressure in Europe, with fierce competition from their Chinese counterparts. Consumers will probably continue to turn to cheaper cars.

M. S.: In the IAM, Poland and Germany are stable, as are Spain and Portugal. I am confident about the French market; there is still demand. I am not so sure about Italy; we are struggling a bit there because the market is very fragmented, with lots of small distributors. And as for Turkey, the economic situation there is very difficult and the market will be just as difficult. For the moment, it is one of the few countries where we are not seeing growth. 

M. S.: We need to familiarise ourselves with their technology so that we can also supply parts for their models. Ultimately, there is still strong potential for the IAM and Meyle in particular. We are currently looking into what we can do with regard to their vehicle platforms.

M. S.: It is not easy to supply parts for Chinese cars in this regard, because for the moment, Chinese manufacturers are protecting their data as much as possible and doing their best to avoid European regulations. But the time will come when they will have to comply. At present, most automotive parts manufacturers are slow to bring parts to market for them.

M. S.: I think so. Germany is trying to change things and, in the end, a compromise will be reached. The 2035 deadline is becoming increasingly unrealistic. Our industry needs to pick up the pace to catch up with China. I really appreciate that other technologies, such as hydrogen and biofuels, are still being supported by companies like Toyota and BMW. I am not in favour of focusing solely on battery electric vehicles (BEVs). I remain convinced that our industry will grow and that there are still many opportunities for market growth. And from a sustainability perspective, I think that keeping existing cars on the road is good for the economy and the environment.