The Handelsblatt also reports that the company is currently engaging in “three specific negotiations,” but the result is still unclear. At least one of these projects could come to a conclusion this year. It is about the “regional expansion of a fast growing business segment.” In addition, an acquisition in the sensor segment is possible. As Sauernheimer assured Automobilwoche, the company was financially strong enough “to spend 2.5 billion euros, if it was worthwhile.”

The industry has been picking up speed in recent months, especially due to digitization. In January 2018, the supplier Prevent acquired the specialist Halberg Guss . And in 2017, after production stoppages, Bosch bought the Italian casting parts supplier Albertini Cesare to ensure a reliable supply. Roland Berger Consulting advises automotive suppliers in their “Global Automotive Supplier Study 2018” (PDF download) to analyze how the automotive megatrends affect their company. In doing so, they should also consider whether they want to divest certain business areas or take an “active consolidation role.” Many have already done so, as demonstrated by the “lively M & A activity in the industry.”