Nearshoring gains ground in Europe’s automotive industry, positioning Spain as a key supplier base

Europe’s automotive industry is entering a new phase in the way supply chains are structured

After years of relying on global sourcing, manufacturers are increasingly turning to suppliers closer to their production hubs, a trend known as nearshoring. The objective is clear: reduce lead times, avoid disruptions and improve coordination.

What began as a response to recent supply chain shocks is now becoming a structural shift across the sector, with Spain gaining relevance in this process.

In 2024, Spanish automotive suppliers exported components worth €25.065 billion, accounting for around 60% of the sector’s total turnover. More than two-thirds of these exports remain within Europe, highlighting the industry’s strong integration into the continent’s manufacturing ecosystem. In addition, Spanish suppliers operate in more than 170 countries and have production facilities across all five continents, reinforcing their global reach.

But this shift is not only about proximity. Through initiatives such as Autoparts From Spain,  the platform that brings together leading Spanish automotive suppliers specialised in the manufacturing and export of components produced in Spain, the sector is strengthening its international visibility and connecting manufacturers with a broad and competitive supplier base.

“Manufacturers have realised that distance slows everything down, from decision-making to production adjustments,” says Mª Begoña Llamazares, Markets Director at SERNAUTO and spokesperson for Autoparts From Spain. “Working with nearby suppliers is a strategic lever that allows faster reaction, better coordination and more stable production.”

Spain benefits from a well-established industrial ecosystem, with companies operating across the entire value chain — from metal and plastic components to higher value-added systems, and exporting to more than 170 countries.

Germany remains the main destination for Spanish automotive exports, with €3.956 billion, followed by France with €3.842 billion. At the same time, markets such as Morocco, the United States and Turkey are gaining relevance, reflecting a strategy focused on diversification.

This combination of strong European presence and global expansion is becoming a clear competitive advantage. “Manufacturers need suppliers that can keep pace with production, combining industrial capacity with flexibility,” Llamazares adds. “Adjusting volumes, adapting processes and working in close coordination is now essential.”

The changes affecting the industry —from electrification to shifting demand— are accelerating the nearshoring trend. Spain also benefits from a solid logistics network, enabling efficient distribution of components across Europe while reducing lead times and maintaining reliability.

Nearshoring is not replacing global supply chains, but it is changing their balance — bringing suppliers closer to where vehicles are actually built and positioning Spain as a key player in Europe’s automotive industry.