Following a second quarter overshadowed by a dramatic slump in sales, automotive supplier Akwel Automotive (Champfromier / France; www.akwel-automotive.com) was – like many other companies in the industry – more or less back on track in the third quarter 2020.

Turnover amounted to EUR 262m, which was very slightly higher than the figure for the same quarter of last year, although the total for the first nine months was still a fifth down on the previous year. Because of catch-up effects, September 2020 was actually a record month in terms of turnover. The French company only gives earnings figures after six months and at the end of a financial year.

For the weeks leading up to the end of 2020, Akwel fears the impacts of another lockdown in Europe and possibly also in the US. The company is nevertheless relying on the flexibility and effectiveness of its business model.

In its latest report about the future of the automotive industry, management consultancy McKinsey said both carmakers and OEMs should reimagine its structures and operations to survive (see Plasteurope.com of 13.11.2020).