The Path to Purchase in automotive & ev
Lead generation for automotive and EV suppliers
Automotive buyers think in programs and volumes. The path matters most when a new program or a re-source is coming.
CompanyMeridian Interiors
VerdictInitiate
SignalEcho
ActionSend the page
The supply chain
The automotive & ev ladder: where do you sit?
Pick your tier. SiteSonar shows who usually orders from you and who often specifies your part.
I am
YouUsually orders from youOften specifies your part
- OEMBrand Vehicle and EV makersDesigns and sells the end product. Usually the specifier.
- Tier 1Systems Seating, door and interior modules; battery packsBuilds systems, modules or finished assemblies for the OEM.
- Tier 2Components Trim bezels, motors, connectors, harnessesMakes components and sub-assemblies for Tier 1.
- Tier 3Parts & processes Molded and stamped parts; metallizing, plating, paintingMakes parts or performs a process: molding, machining, stamping, coating, plating.
- Tier 4Materials Resin compounders, steel service centers, coatings chemistryConverts and supplies materials: compounds, alloys, bar stock, film, chemistry.
- Tier 5Raw materials Steel mills, aluminum smelters, petrochemicalsProduces raw materials: mills, refineries, petrochemicals.
Your Path to Purchase in automotive & ev
You sell to:
Often specified by:
Both matter. The tier above places the order; the OEM decides what the part must be. SiteSonar's agent names both on each lead.
Example paths
Paths SiteSonar finds into automotive & ev
| They make or run | Component or need | Your offer | Ordered by | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive interiors | Trim bezels | Chrome-look finish on plastic | Tier 1 supplier orders | "Which trim programs are moving off chrome plating?" |
| EV chargers | Outdoor enclosures | Sheet metal enclosures, powder coat | Hardware team and contract manufacturer | "Which enclosure revision is going to production?" |
| Battery packs | Busbars and connectors | Plating | Engineering specifies, purchasing orders | "Are you qualifying a second plating source?" |
Example companies are illustrative.
Who researches
- Program and product engineers
- Supplier development
- Purchasing
- EV startup founders and hardware leads
What they buy from suppliers
- Interior trim and decorative parts
- Brackets, stampings and enclosures
- Battery and charging components
- Plating and coatings
Signals that matter here
- IATF 16949 and PPAP pages
- Capacity and annual volumes
- Materials and finishes
- Program or re-source questions
RFQ with PPAP level and annual volumes