European automotive suppliers hold firm

Vienna, Austria - European suppliers largely held their own against other regions among the top 100 global automotive suppliers last year.

Suppliers in Europe and Asia have done better than North Americans, but few Europeans were able to climb in the ranking of 2005 parts sales, an analysis of the Automotive News Data Center data shows. The rankings are based on sales to car makers, as original equipment on new cars.

Within the rubber and tyre industry, Continental AG is listed at no 13, with Dana Corp. at 17, Michelin at 28, Toyoda Gosei at 32, Bridgestone Firestone at 36, Goodyear at 39, Tenneco at 40, Federal Mogul at 43, Freudenberg at 45, Hutchinson at 75, Cooper Standard at 77 and Tomkins PLC at 91.

Across the auto supply industry as a whole, seven European companies appear in the top 15, up from six in 2004. And European firms still hold more than one-third of the top 100 spots, with 38.

Siemens VDO and Autoliv, which have marginally reduced their dependence on Europe in 2005, each suffered a one-place drop. Valeo increased its reliance on European sales and rose in the standings.

"Some European suppliers have been very active in making acquisitions in North America as it fits their strategies," said Eric Wallbank, director of Ernst & Young's automotive team in London. "Others invested in growing markets to build revenue through market growth rather than winning market share."

From Automotive News Europe (A Crain publication)