European Automotive Company| Market Research

Building Strategic Market Clarity for Automotive Expansion in Southeast Asia

Scala Consulting worked with a leading European automotive systems manufacturer, to support its regional leadership team in understanding Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The project was designed to evaluate market readiness, demand signals, and operating context across multiple countries—laying the foundation for future commercial expansion.

Objective

To deliver market intelligence on Southeast Asia’s key economies, uncovering country-specific demand patterns, automotive value chain nuances, and competitive dynamics relevant to the European automotive company’s long-term product and go-to-market strategy.

Our Approach

Scala designed and conducted a comparative market study focused on aligning local realities with global decision-making frameworks:

• Southeast Asia Market Research:
  • Assessed macroeconomic indicators, vehicle ownership trends, EV readiness, localization policies, and OEM supply chain presence across six core markets in the region.
  • Identified barriers to entry, partnership opportunities, and regulatory implications tied to each country’s industrial strategy.
• Market Prioritization Framework:
  • Delivered a structured recommendation highlighting high-potential markets based on weighted criteria including growth, alignment with product fit, and operational feasibility.
  • Provided country-specific insights to guide phased decision-making.

Results

• Clarity for Market Selection & Sequencing: Equipped executives with a clear view of market attractiveness, helping them compare opportunities across SEA at both strategic and operational levels.
• Informed Strategic Planning: Internal leadership gained shared alignment around which countries to focus on—and how each market’s specific needs might shape product adaptation and entry models.