H&Z Connect

21.10.2026 | Munich

Automotive ROUNDTABLE

Bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of European automotive competitiveness and supply chains.

COMPETE, COOPERATE OR PROTECT?

The Future of the European Automotive Supplier Industry in the New Global Trade Landscape

The global automotive industry is undergoing a period of upheaval. Chinese OEMs are gaining market share, European production volumes are falling, and new regulatory and trade policy measures are reshaping the competitive landscape.

We discuss what the Industrial Accelerator Act, CBAM, tariffs and China’s growing influence mean for European OEMs and suppliers – and what strategic opportunities for suppliers are emerging from the reorganisation of markets, customer structures and supply chains.

21.10.2026

Wednesday

5:00 pm

CET

Munich

H&Z Headquarters

AGENDA

5:30 PM Welcome

5:45 PM Keynote: Changes in the Automotive Markets in Light of Geopolitical Challenges

6:00 PM Impulse Talks by Our Guest Speakers Marcel Proff (ZF) and Sascha Wagner (Mahle)

6:30 PM Panel Discussion

7:30 PM After-Work Networking with Drinks and Dinner

SPEAKERS

Sascha Wagner

Head of Corporate External Affairs at MAHLE

Sascha Wagner has more than ten years of experience at the intersection of politics, regulation and industry. As Head of Corporate External Affairs at MAHLE, he leads the company's international government and regulatory affairs and supports strategic transformation in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

Marcel Proff

Head of Politics Germany, Leiter Büro Berlin

Marcel Proff heads the Public Affairs activities of ZF Friedrichshafen AG in Germany. Since 2021, he has been representing the company's interests in the field of External Affairs. Prior to that, he held positions in Communications and Public Affairs at Daimler, Porsche, and BNP Paribas.

HOSTS

Albert Neumann

Partner

Dr. Albert Neumann is a Partner at H&Z and an expert in the automotive industry, focusing on corporate strategy, R&D, and integrating sustainability through digitalisation and circular economy approaches.

Jörg Rückauf

Senior Advisor

Jörg Rückauf is a Senior Advisor at H&Z, combining deep expertise in the automotive supplier industry with many years of operational leadership experience as a CEO and as Vice President of R&D and Sales. His areas of focus include corporate and product strategy, R&D, Sales & Operations, as well as market entry strategies and M&A.

REGISTER HERE

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Ruby Lilly – approx. 15 mins’ walk / 5 mins by car

25 hours – approx. 15 mins’ walk / 5 mins by car

NH Collection – approx. 14 mins’ walk / 4 mins by car

Hotel Bayerischer Hof – approx. 5 mins’ walk

YOUR CONTACT

ANY QUESTIONS?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Jule Hiller

Senior Expert Events

Jule is behind our client events and webinars. If you want to meet our team in person or compare notes with peers from your industry, she will point you to the right format.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I able to participate virtually?
Unfortunately, virtual participation isn’t available for live events.
What to do, if I can no longer attend the event?
You can easily modify your registration by reaching out to events@hz.group.