Ahead of the Curve: Q4 President's Update

By Collin Shaw, President, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers

As 2025 comes to a close, our industry continues to navigate operational pressure, policy uncertainty and rapid competitive shifts across North America. Yet suppliers remain focused, resilient and committed to strengthening the region’s manufacturing foundation. MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers stands alongside you in that work, guided by our core pillars of Advocacy, Research & Insights, Community and Access.

Advocacy

Your engagement has made our collective voice stronger in Washington. On December 4, Ana Meuwissen testified before the Administration as part of the formal process leading into the 2026 review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—a pivotal moment for our industry.

MEMA emphasized a clear record of success: U.S. auto parts production grew from $311.8B in 2019 to $349.0B in 2024, according to the ITC. We stressed that the Automotive Chapter’s rules of origin—now the strongest in any global trade agreement, working and must be preserved.

The USMCA review will be MEMA’s primary advocacy focus in 2026. To protect the stability and competitiveness this agreement provides, we will need sustained, active engagement from our members. Your partnership—through participation in MEMA initiatives, sharing real-world impacts and engaging elected leaders—will be essential to shaping a successful outcome.

Research & Insights

This year, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers released a landmark study with Arthur D. Little that offers a clear, data-supported assessment of the forces reshaping North American manufacturing. The report highlights structural challenges such as rising capital requirements, workforce shortages and shifts in powertrain strategy, while also underscoring stabilizing factors including the long tail of ICE production and a steady decoupling trajectory. These insights are equipping members to plan with greater confidence in a complex operating environment.

Building on this foundation, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers will introduce two new event series in 2026: Supplier Industry Briefing and Legal Trends. These programs will deliver deeper intelligence on economic and technology developments, U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, workforce dynamics and emerging legal risks—including contracts, IP protection, liability and warranty exposure. The first sessions will take place February 19 in Pontiac, Mich., with additional programs in May and September.

Community

Even amid industry headwinds, suppliers continue to demonstrate extraordinary leadership, innovation, and operational resilience. That strength is reflected across MEMA’s community programs.

Our Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) and Learning Labs are building the next generation of supplier-industry leadership. The ELC fosters strategic connections and leadership development for rising professionals, while the Learning Labs offer practical skill-building in areas such as AI, communication and negotiation.

If you have emerging talent who could benefit from these initiatives, we encourage you to connect with us:

• Learn more about the ELC here
• Learning Labs contact: Lauren Sobecki

Looking to 2026, our passenger car CEO Council will transition into the Automotive Executive Council, continuing to serve senior leaders with expanded strategic programming. In addition, the Finance Executive Council will co-locate with the Automotive Executive Council, enabling more comprehensive agenda development and deeper cross-functional networking.

Access to Decision Makers

Ensuring that members have direct access to the leaders shaping the business environment remains central to MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers mission. This includes federal policymakers, regulatory officials and—critically—both passenger car and commercial vehicle OEM leadership. These connections help suppliers anticipate change, strengthen alignment and influence decisions that directly affect competitiveness.

Our OEM Town Hall series will continue expanding these opportunities in 2026, beginning with a Nissan Town Hall on February 5, followed by additional engagements throughout the year.

Thank you for your partnership, your leadership and your impact throughout 2025. I look forward to the work ahead and to everything we will accomplish together in this pivotal year for our industry.