TKD² Group is a U.S.-based business development and consulting firm helping international manufacturing and technology companies—especially from Germany, Austria, and the EU—expand and succeed in the North American Automotive, Aerospace, Defense, and Industrial markets.

Whether you're launching in the U.S. for the first time or expanding existing operations, TKD² acts as your local team on the ground, connecting you with OEMs, Tier 1s, and key industrial partners. From sales strategy to manufacturing localization, we help de-risk market entry and deliver measurable results.

We partner with small to mid-sized suppliers in the automotive, aerospace, defense and industrial sectors that, for example:

• US, EU or UK based automotive, aerospace, defense or industrial suppliers seeking U.S. market entry
• Technology-driven manufacturers of EV, mobility, or Industry 4.0 components
• Small to midsized companies lacking a full-time U.S. presence
• Any Supplier with innovative or precision technologies that need help scaling in North America

We offer a full-service portfolio, including:

🚀 Business Development & Sales Execution

- Strategic account targeting (Ford, GM, Stellantis, Tesla, Honeywell, CAT, CNH, Innio,  Magna, ZF, Bosch, etc.)
- In-person customer visits, RFQ support, trade show representation
- Onsite tech days and product presentations

• Tier 1 + OEM engagement

🧠 Engineering & Project Support

🏭 Manufacturing Localization Support

- Site selection and startup project management
- Government & incentive support navigation
- Lessons learned from past localization projects (PPAP, TS audit, plant staffing, customer alignment)

When should i start thinking about localization? 
Where should i locate?
What can i expect in support from local governments?  Other industry groups?
What pit falls do i need to avoid? 
What can i learn from others?
How will customers react?  How do i get them on my side?

⚡ EV / eMobility Market Consulting

- Support for EV charging, connectors, battery enclosures, lightweighting
- Sourcing and local manufacturing for EV components

🔗 Supply Chain & Sourcing

- Domestic sourcing for electrified powertrain and chassis components
- Supplier vetting, basket of parts sourcing, and localization
- Onshoring advisory for EU companies

There's no simple answer to this question.  However there are some guiding principals that can help ensure success.  

First and foremost - Find trusted, local partners. The US is a big country with 50 different states, different internal cultures, pro's / con's to various areas, resource availability, etc.  How you approach the US may be very different depending on the company, products, existing customers etc..  The right local partner, like TKD² can help you prioritize the approach and navigate the risks involved....at the right time.  

Nemawashi is the Japanese term for "preparing the ground".  It's a great phrase that translate far beyond it's original meeting.  Laying a foundation ahead of what's to come will ensure success in the long run.  

Cold calling can be frustrating and result in limited success.  A faster path involves leveraging existing networks from trusted individuals, that is where much of our value lies.  After decades in the industry, we can help suppliers short cut the often very slow process of outreach, RFQ and new business award.  

At some point - the pipeline will get healthy enough that localization will naturally become part of the discussion.  Whether its hiring direct sales or logistics support, quality support or even establishing a manufacturing facility - localization can evolve over time.  It's important to understand the importance of this to the business itself and the impact future growth.  We help clients find the right path to localization.  

• We don’t just consult — we execute as part of your extended team.

• Native German speakers + U.S. industry veterans

• Decades of automotive experience: engineering, purchasing, quality, and operations

• Agile team backed by smart tools and deep connections

End customers value TKD² because we understand their world. With decades of experience across engineering, manufacturing, sales, purchasing, and quality, we speak the same language they do—technically and commercially.  We bring qualified solutions — not just introductions.

✅ Technical & Commercial Fluency
✅ Trusted network of vetted suppliers
✅ Speed-to-value in sourcing and project alignment
✅ Problem-solving mindset vs. transactional sales
✅ Cultural competence — especially for German/European suppliers

We specialize in:

• Automotive

• Aerospace

• eMobility & Industrial Automation

• Defense & Energy

• Medical (typically outside of the OR)

Our headquarters is in Canton, Michigan, with a growing presence across key U.S. manufacturing hubs. We serve clients with local support across from California, to Montana, to Texas and in between.  

We provide national reach with local engagement — in-person support where it matters.

Visit our Contact Page or email us directly at info@tkd2group.com.  We’ll schedule a discovery session to assess your goals, challenges, and fit for the U.S. market.

We're always on the lookout to connect and work with experienced professionals who align with our values and way of working.

TKD² is built for technical and sales-minded individuals who are looking for a different mode of work — one with more autonomy, flexibility, and impact. Our team is made up of like-minded industry experts who have deep networks and years of experience across automotive and advanced manufacturing.

Many of us are in our “second career” — ready to step away from the structure of traditional corporate life and apply our knowledge in a more agile, collaborative environment. If you’re energized by helping innovative companies grow, and want to leverage your industry relationships in a small, focused team — TKD² may be a great fit.  

If you are already out in the Sales and Business development world but working on your own - Our platform of tools can help you grow YOUR existing client relationships. 

At the same time our pipeline of new clients is constantly challenging our in house expertise and resources.  

Let's connect!