AE Network Growth

AE Peer Group:
Relocation Strategies

Securing competitiveness through location strategy.

Deutsch

The automotive supplier industry is in the midst of the greatest transformation in its history. Electrification, digitalization, new drive technologies, and shifts in global supply chains are challenging traditional business models. At the same time, high energy costs, a shortage of skilled labor, regulatory uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions are weighing on competitiveness in many established regions.

Against this backdrop, the question "Where will we produce tomorrow?" takes on a strategic dimension. Location decisions become a crucial lever for optimizing cost structures, securing innovative strength, and gaining access to new markets.

This AE peer group brings industry decision-makers together to jointly develop answers to the location-related questions of the future—in a practical, confidential setting, and with a focus on sustainable competitiveness.

This AE Peer Group is aimed at executives and key figures in the automotive supplier industry across German-speaking regions who play a decisive role in site, investment, and production decisions—specifically:

• Managing Directors / CEOs of medium-sized and large supplier companies
• COOs and plant managers who manage and optimize production networks
  
• CFOs evaluating investment decisions and location strategies
• Head of Strategy, Corporate Development, or Transformation
• Owners, shareholders, and supervisory board members responsible for the long-term strategic direction
• Optional: Cluster organizations, industry associations, or location developers may also be invited to provide impetus—provided there are no direct competitive interests..
  

The AE Peer Group focuses on current, practical issues that are of particular importance to automotive suppliers in times of global transformation:

• Relocation of production and location assessment: Which regions in Europe or internationally offer stable framework conditions, the availability of skilled labor, and cost advantages?
  
• Supply Chain Strategy and Resilience: How can dependencies be reduced and risks along global supply chains be managed proactively?
  
• Funding and investment programs: utilization of public funding at EU, federal, and state levels for site relocations and expansions.
  
• Regulatory Requirements & ESG: How can new reporting obligations, sustainability mandates, and ESG regulations be implemented efficiently—without incurring disproportionate costs or bureaucratic burdens?
  
• Employee retention and relocation: strategies for knowledge preservation, the integration of existing teams, and the establishment of new locations.
  
• Collaborations & Cluster Formation: Opportunities Offered by Joint Initiatives – from Shared Facilities to Intra-Industry Partnerships.
• Future of the industry: Which markets, technologies, and regions are gaining importance amidst the transformation (e-mobility, battery technologies, software integration, recycling)?

Each session aims to develop concrete solutions and recommendations for action that can be directly incorporated into the participating companies' strategic location and investment planning.

The AE Peer Group does not follow the format of a traditional lecture or conference.

The focus is on:

• Strategic orientation: You gain a sound basis for decision-making regarding your location strategy and production networks.
• Practical insights: Learn from other suppliers that have successfully implemented site relocations or international expansion.
• Exclusive exchange: Discuss opportunities, risks, and best practices confidentially with C-level peers.
• Competitive advantages through cooperation: Learn how other companies reduce costs, secure supply chains, and expand market access.
• Early warning system for developments: Identify trends, changes in the political framework, and technological shifts at an early stage—before they impact your business.
• A network of substance: Forge valuable connections with decision-makers, location developers, and industry experts facing similar challenges.
  

The AE Peer Group is designed as a long-term working group.

• Group size: 8 to 12 companies per group.
  This size facilitates in-depth discussions, personal relationships, and an exchange based on trust.
• Host Principle: The group follows a decentralized hosting model.
• Meetings are held at alternating locations:
  › at participating companies
  › at selected partner companies
  › at neutral, external venues
  The focus is not on a fixed event location, but rather on the exchange between participants within the specific corporate context.
  
• Formats:
  › In-person meetings
  › Online working sessions
  › Moderated roundtables
  › Exchange of experiences based on real-world cases
  › Optional Community Events as part of  AE Life
  Face-to-face interaction forms the foundation for trust and lasting relationships. Digital formats complement collaboration between meetings.
  
• Organization:
  › Duration: 12 months
  › Option to extend
  › Collaborative planning of topics and schedule with participants
  › Continuous development of content
  
• Perspective:
  
  The AE Peer Group Relocation Strategies is part of a long-term Executive Peer System for the exchange of knowledge and experience in location strategies, internationalization, and the development of new growth and market opportunities. Each AE Peer Group deliberately includes only a limited number of selected companies to enable confidential and intensive peer exchange among equals. Depending on demand, additional peer groups may be established with their own composition, company profiles, areas of responsibility, or thematic focus.

Participation requires membership in the AE Peers network.

Admission is granted exclusively:

• by invitation
• following a personal introduction
• upon agreement within the group

The number of participating companies per group is deliberately limited.

Information regarding terms and conditions will be provided during a personal discussion.