Connectivity and new vehicle ownership models definitely have the potential of disrupting the traditional value chain and the industry will have to adapt in order to find new collaboration models and partners and as such create new opportunities: These, among others, were the clear trends identified at the 9^th edition of the Aftermarket Conference, organized by the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) March 21-22 in Brussels.

The audience, consisting of representatives from the European Commission and Parliament, other associations, automotive suppliers, vehicle manufacturers, wholesale distribution, trading groups and press, discussed the drivers for change and disruption within the automotive industry.

Presentations and keynotes from established and new players identified new technologies on vehicles and the production of parts, the change of vehicle ownership as well as upcoming new business models as main drivers for the transformation. New competencies, other success factors and a different mindset will be needed to manage the future competitive challenges with the consumer in the center.

Reflecting on the conference, Roberto Vavassori, CLEPA president, said, “New players are on the verge of entering the automotive aftermarket sector, creating new mobility concepts. Although the real impact, via e.g. electrification and connectivity, is not to be expected before 2025, time is crucial and suppliers need define their future positions as soon as possible. Although there is still a lot of uncertainty, both established players and start-ups should not fear this upcoming disruption but embrace it.”

In general, the economic outlook for the global aftermarket business is positive but the main growth will be in the Eastern part of Europe and in Asia.

CLEPA says the market will see fewer but stronger players, which will drive digitalization and new platforms are expected to play a major role in distribution of parts and assigning repair jobs to workshops. The entire automotive industry must make tremendous efforts in the direction of leaner processes and the ability to make use of in-vehicle data-based services around mobility.