2026 Global Automotive Outlook

GlobalAutoIndustry.com’s latest Audio Interview "2026 Global Automotive Outlook" with Ron Hesse features David Steinert, Partner with Alix Partners.  David has 20 years+ of experience in Management Consulting, Automotive, and Industrial Manufacturing. His functional areas of expertise include product development, innovation, program management, strategic sourcing, and operational efficiency.  David has global experience, working with automotive OEMs, suppliers, and industrial manufacturing operations in N. America, Asia, S. America, Europe, and India. David leads development of AlixPartners’ Global Automotive Outlook, our annual analysis of the auto industry and point-of-view on where the industry is heading based on competitive dynamics, technology advancements and adoption, regulatory influences, and evolving supply chains.

In the 23-minute Audio Interview, Mr. Steinert discusses these questions:

• Global sales are forecast to be down 4% in 2026, what is driving that decline? What does a shrinking developed-market landscape mean for legacy OEMs?
• China has shifted from domestic player to global automotive powerhouse. How fast is that displacement happening, and what's the real threat?
• The repeal of emissions standards are creating a short-term ICE opportunity in North America. But what are the long-term competitive impacts?
• How might USMCA 2.0 impact the market and what are your thoughts on how USMCA could strengthen the competiveness of American OEMs?
• Western plants are stranded assets. Will we see Chinese OEMs acquire manufacturing capacity in North America and Europe?