BMW and Bosch have topped the OEM and supplier prospect rankings in just-auto’s annual confidence survey that also finds optimism in the industry on business prospects for the next twelve months.

Respondents to just-auto’s annual confidence survey are overwhelmingly optimistic on prospects for their companies over the next twelve months. A majority of respondents – professionals working directly in the industry or in service sectors – said that they are either quite positive (50% of respondents) or ‘very positive’ (24.1%) about business prospects.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

However, respondents also remain concerned about the risk presented by international trade rule uncertainties. In Europe, there is considerable concern over the ongoing trading arrangement uncertainties presented by the UK’s departure from the EU, while in North America, new NAFTA trade arrangements have yet to be agreed.

More supplier sector consolidation is expected in 2018 and respondents expect M&A activity further down the supply chain, rather than in Tier 1 ‘mega-deals’.

Car market outlooks across the world are mixed, but India tops the list for car market growth prospects in 2018. China is just behind and prospects look moderately positive in a number of other emerging markets. The US car market, the world’s second largest, is heading for a flat year and the UK’s car market is widely predicted to be on a downward path next year (albeit coming off a high base).

BMW Group tops the OEM rankings as the group most widely forecast to be successful in 2018. The VW Group, which dropped back sharply in the rankings in 2016 in the midst of ‘dieselgate’, bounced back this year. Geely also made notable gains in this year’s survey. For the suppliers, Bosch continues to top the list.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Autonomous vehicles are thought most likely to make a significant impact in the market around 2025.

BEVs and hybrids are forecast to see strong growth over the next five years. Unsurprisingly perhaps, diesel engines stand out as particularly unlikely to show growth.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now