Regional Insights

In this episode of Transformation is Strategy, Neury Freitas, Head of the Aftermarket practice in North America, breaks down the dramatic forces reshaping the automotive aftermarket, from autonomous mobility to the mixed reality of EV adoption in 2026. He explains why CES surprised the industry this year, how large autonomous fleets like Waymo are fundamentally shifting aftermarket power dynamics, and why servicing models will look more like commercial fleet operations than neighborhood garages. Neury also dives into findings from the Aftermarket Pulse 2025 study, revealing how consumer behavior, rising costs, and the shift toward convenience are rapidly changing both the B2B and B2C sides of the market. Whether you’re an OEM, supplier, shop owner, or strategist, this episode uncovers the realities, misconceptions, and opportunities defining the aftermarket’s future.

CES 2026 may have dazzled less on the show floor, but behind the scenes, it delivered something far more important: clarity. In this episode, Roland Berger’s Stephan Keese and Philipp Leutiger unpack the real story of this year’s CES — a dramatic shift from flashy, futuristic prototypes to grounded conversations on AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and the volatile global business landscape. They reveal why transformation now depends on smaller, self‑funded innovation cycles, how executives are using AI to build flexibility and transparency, and what companies must do to turn global uncertainty into competitive advantage. If you want to understand where technology and strategy are truly heading in 2026, this conversation is essential listening.

How can companies turn supply chain uncertainty into a competitive advantage? In this episode, Shantanu Verma helps explore the intersection of sustainability, procurement, and technology with insights on AI-driven solutions, financial discipline, and strategies for resilience. From unlocking millions in lost savings to designing products for supply stability, discover how organizations are adapting to geopolitical shifts, tariff challenges, and evolving consumer expectations. If you’re curious about what’s next for procurement and sustainability, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas and forward-looking trends.

The global automotive industry is entering one of its most complex eras. In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Brandon Boyle, Senior Partner and North American Automotive Practice Lead at Roland Berger, unpacks the forces reshaping the sector. From the rise of three distinct ecosystems—China, Europe, and the U.S.—to the breakdown of traditional economies of scale, Brandon explains why OEMs and suppliers must rethink their strategies. We explore critical topics such as supply chain transparency, reshoring trends, and the role of AI and automation in mitigating labor challenges. Plus, hear Brandon’s candid advice for navigating the next 12–18 months in an industry that has collectively destroyed 3% of value per year. If you want to understand how to build resilience and profitability in a world where the only certainty is uncertainty, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Jan Schulte, Managing Director at Polarix of Roland Berger, explores how companies can strengthen their supply chains amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and rising sustainability expectations. From reshoring challenges and automation trends to the trade-offs of using sustainable materials, Jan shares insights on how businesses can future-proof their operations by developing flexible strategies, optimizing product costs, and embedding sustainability as a key driver of long-term competitiveness.

Electricity demand in the U.S. is shifting from decades of stagnation to unprecedented growth, driven by data centers, electrification, and re-industrialization. Senior Partner Pedro Caruso discusses how utilities and policymakers can balance capacity, infrastructure, and supply chain challenges in this rapidly evolving market. Don’t miss this conversation. Listen now and discover what’s powering the future.

Can sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) really take flight as the key to decarbonizing the skies? Roland Berger experts Diego Ibarra and Thor Kristjansson dig into the opportunities and challenges shaping this fast-evolving market, from soaring costs and fragmented global policies to game-changing long-term contracts and first-mover advantages. They also share how airlines and investors can turn SAF into not just a climate solution, but a commercial and financial win. Ready to explore aviation’s green runway? Listen now

As AI data centers surge across the U.S., the pressure on the power grid is reaching a breaking point. In this episode of Sustainability as Strategy, Partner Ben Lowe talks about the supply chain disruptions, turbine shortages, interconnection delays, and shifting policies reshaping how and where we generate power. Whether you're a utility exec, manufacturer, or data center developer, this conversation offers timely insights on how to navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

In this episode, Roland Berger Senior Partner Chris Millican unpacks the seismic shifts reshaping the utilities sector—from the newly passed OBBVA bill to AI-driven energy demand and the mounting pressure of supply chain and affordability constraints. Chris dives deep into what these changes mean for renewables, storage, and nuclear—and why integrated resource plans (IRPs) across the country are due for a serious reckoning. He also explores how utilities are balancing sustainability goals with real-world infrastructure challenges, and where innovative partnerships, customer engagement, and smarter transmission planning are making an impact. If you're curious how utilities can keep the lights on while reimagining the future of energy, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

This episode, we dive into the complexities of U.S. energy policy, particularly around the impact of tariffs and the challenges of reshoring manufacturing. Zach Kaplan, Partner in the Energy practice, explores the long-term economic effects of these tariffs, questioning whether the U.S. has the workforce, infrastructure, and capital to meet the ambitious goals set by policymakers. This conversation also touches on the shifting global landscape, as countries begin to prioritize regional energy transition plans, reducing dependency on the U.S. and rethinking multilateral commitments. Zach highlights the need for pragmatic solutions to address both short-term policy volatility and long-term industrial reorientation. Don’t miss out on this exciting episode—listen now!

As businesses navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, digital tools are proving to be a game-changer. Philipp Leutiger, Head Partner of the Roland Berger Digital practice in the Americas, explores how companies can align financial and sustainability goals, leverage AI to reduce waste, and break down operational silos to drive efficiency. From addressing supply chain inefficiencies to rethinking the role of green premiums, this episode offers practical insights into making sustainability a value generator—not just a cost. Listen now!

With many executives keen to learn more about how leveraging a 'green premium' can help shape strategy and drive overall performance, increased attention is being paid to how organizations power their operations. Dr. Diego Ibarra from Roland Berger Americas takes a close look at the hydrogen economy and outlines how evolving market conditions and policy initiatives are having an impact on this promising sector of the energy industry. Listen now!