Tariffs and Testing

April 30, 2025

Jon

AutomotiveExpo, AutomotiveTesting, Innovation, JonMQuigley, NetZero, OEM, PanelDiscussion, Procurement, SupplyChain, Tariffs, TestingEquipment, verification

Agile and Lean, APQP, Business, Communications, Configuration Management, Cost Improvement, Cost Management, Human Resources, Leadership, Line Management, Management, Manufacturing, Organization Development, Process Improvement, Product Development, Project Management, Prototype, Quality, Requirements Management, Root Cause Analysis, Scrum, Testing, Training, Uncategorized

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Of Tariffs and Testing.

Jon M Quigley

Headwinds or Opportunities? Join the Conversation on the Future of Automotive Testing in Europe

You may have noticed that I have started writing for Automotive Testing Technology International, thank you very much Rachel Evans.  We are exploring topics to the upcoming event, specifically tariffs on testing.  There are plenty of connections, or there should be, between procurement and product development, which is not constrained to manufacturing but the entire development effort, and sometimes severely on testing.

The European automotive industry stands at a crossroads. With international trade tariffs threatening up to €67bn in EU automotive exports, most heavily impacting Germany, and the relentless pressure of net-zero targets and fierce competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, the only certainty is uncertainty.[i] [ii] For procurement, purchasing, and product test and verification professionals, these headwinds are not just challenges but catalysts for transformation.

How can procurement and purchasing teams work more closely with product testing and verification to build supply chain resilience and future-proof their organizations? What strategies are testing providers and OEMs using to adapt sourcing, optimize costs, and turn disruption into a competitive advantage?

Be Part of the Discussion: Panel Event at Automotive Testing Expo Europe

We invite you to an in-depth, interactive panel discussion-Headwinds or Opportunities? Navigating the European Automotive Testing Landscape in an Era of Uncertainty-taking place at the Automotive Testing Expo Europe in Stuttgart on May 20, 2025, from 15:00 to 16:30.[iii] [iv]

Key topics include:

  • Market analysis: The impact of US/EU trade tensions and tariffs on test and verification equipment sourcing
  • Supply chain implications: How procurement and purchasing teams are adapting to new realities
  • Case studies: Real-world experiences of supply chain disruption from testing providers
  • Strategic positioning: Turning market volatility into opportunity

For what it is worth, I am working on attending

I am uncomfortable with what is often referred to as tooting my own horn, but things are what they are. I have won awards for projects/products that I have led. In addition to being a practitioner, I have authored many books on product development and testing topics. I’m working on attending the event and, at the very least, listening to the panel. Maybe I will bring my bass or sing some songs. If you’ve been in some of my classes, you know I have a fondness for songs from the 1980s and 1990s.  With decades of experience in verification, validation, and cost improvement across automotive and electronics.

We should also remember that it’s not just test equipment, but also prototypes and early production parts, that will be used for product testing.

“Testing companies are eager to plan and build resilient supply chains. Tariffs are already starting to impact companies, particularly when it comes to shipping equipment, and further consequences are expected. This platform will enable open dialogue to address these challenges together.”

  • Rachel Evans, Editor, Automotive Testing Technology International.[v]

Why Attend?

  • Gain actionable frameworks for navigating market disruption
  • Discover practical approaches to cost optimization amid tariff uncertainties
  • Network with peers facing similar challenges in procurement, purchasing, and testing
  • Get early intelligence on emerging testing approaches and supply chain strategies

Are you involved in procurement, purchasing, or product test and verification in the automotive sector? What are your biggest challenges and opportunities right now? Will you be joining us in Stuttgart, or would you like to connect virtually?

Comment below or DM me if you’re interested in participating or want to learn more about the panel. Let’s explore the impacts and risks associated with tariffs on test equipment acquisition and shape the future of automotive testing and supply chain strategy together.

#AutomotiveTesting #Procurement #SupplyChain #Verification #PanelDiscussion #AutomotiveExpo #JonMQuigley #Innovation #NetZero #Tariffs #OEM #TestingEquipment

The promotional blub is found below.

Draft title: HEADWINDS OR OPPORTUNITIES? NAVIGATING THE EUROPEAN AUTOMOTIVE TESTING LANDSCAPE IN AN ERA OF UNCERTAINTY

 

In a business landscape transforming at unprecedented speed, automotive testing professionals and their OEM and supply chain partners must adapt or risk obsolescence. Currently, the only certainty is… uncertainty! This 90-minute in-depth, interactive panel discussion will help provide a roadmap for not just surviving but thriving amid the headwinds of potential international trade tariffs and challenging net zero timelines. Now is the time to share insights on supply chain best practice and market strategy, to help ensure your testing and manufacturing is ready for the challenge ahead.

Session Format: Interactive panel discussion (90 minutes)

Session Overview

This timely and critical panel will bring together automotive industry leaders and expert commentators to address the multiple challenges reshaping the European automotive testing landscape: The impact of recent US tariff policies, which have been estimated to affect up to €67bn of EU automotive industry exports, the majority of which come from Germany; ongoing uncertainty surrounding the net zero agenda; and tough Chinese EV competition.

Our expert panel will provide actionable insights on how European automotive testing companies and their OEM customers and supply chain partners can adapt their strategies, identify emerging opportunities, and future-proof their businesses in this rapidly evolving environment.

Key Discussion Points

– Market analysis: The current state of European/US trade and the global impact of potential tariff escalation

– Supply chain implications: Adapting to new sourcing realities

– Supplier case studies: Testing providers share recent experiences of supply chain disruption

– Strategic positioning: Converting market disruption into competitive advantage

 

Takeaways

Attendees will leave with:

  • Strategic frameworks for addressing market disruption
  • Practical approaches to cost optimization amid tariff uncertainties
  • Network connections with peers navigating similar challenges
  • Early intelligence on emerging testing approaches to help ensure greater flexibility and agility

[i] https://testingexpo-europe.com/headwinds-opportunities-panel-discussion

[ii] https://www.automotivetestingtechnologyinternational.com/news/automotive-testing-expo/emergency-panel-discussion-on-tariffs-and-the-future-of-the-european-car-market.html

[iii] https://testingexpo-europe.com/headwinds-opportunities-panel-discussion

[iv] https://www.automotivetestingtechnologyinternational.com/news/automotive-testing-expo/emergency-panel-discussion-on-tariffs-and-the-future-of-the-european-car-market.html

[v] https://www.automotivetestingtechnologyinternational.com/news/automotive-testing-expo/emergency-panel-discussion-on-tariffs-and-the-future-of-the-european-car-market.html

 

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Post by Jon Quigley