ERMARKET’S FUTURE
ands, the season for change in the automotive industry is imminent.
this means for the aftermarket.
Challenges include the need for huge investments to ensure that there
are enough public charging points. Many of these public charging
points need to support rapid charging which require stations to
connect high-voltage distribution networks. Furthermore, electricity
networks to households need to be reinforced to support the charging
needs. This means that the overall electricity grid capacities need to
support EV demands.
With the growing interest in autonomous vehicles, the biggest challenge
for the aftermarket is accessing the vehicles’ information for repairs.
Whilst the IAAF continues to fiercely lobby for access to technical
information and the motorists’ right to choose how their car gets
repaired, players in the aftermarket can also do their part in sustaining
the sector.
WHAT NOW? GAPS NEED TO BE FILLED.
This burgeoning future is multi-faceted and it takes effort from all
levels of the supply chain to sustain the sector. This new dawn may
make certain aspects obsolete in time, but it also creates unprecedented
opportunities. The road to futureproofing the industry begins with
investment in people and equipment, as well as self-education to avoid
being left behind with all technological advancements.
Keeping EVs on the road means that the power infrastructure must be ready for the demand
Whilst changes may seem rapid, it is likely that they will continue
gradually so that real-life needs can reconcile with the vision of
lawmakers.
Parts manufacturers are investing significantly in the R&D of
developing EV compatible parts. With that, motor factors are
encouraged to maintain strong relationships with suppliers and
customers. By keeping their ear to the ground, motor factors can
benefit significantly by gaining a reputation of being quick in reacting to
customer demands and part availability.
TRICKLE EFFECTS INTO THE AFTERMARKET
During Automechanika Birmingham this year, Wendy Williamson,
Chief Executive of the IAAF, covered type-approval, legislation, lifestyle
changes and future connectivity among other topics.
Type-approval has maintained its prime position in the IAAF’s agenda
for the past t hree years as they fought hard to ensure that a number of
key amendments were included in the final legislation by the European
Parliament.
While the EU legislation will be adopted in the UK as of March next
year, the type-approval legislation does not take effect until September
2020. This throws up a question of where the legislation now sits for
the UK.
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 52
Motor factors can benefit significantly by keeping informed
about the latest reliable opportunities as the market evolves
On the topic of reputation, motor factors
should continue to be very discerning of
product quality and type-approvals. By
maintaining the reputation for reliability,
it encourages motorists to continue seeking
independent garages for repairs.
FPS
representatives
are always prepared to
share insight with motor
factors on the latest
opportunities and
options available in
the aftermarket.
THE FUTURE OF THE AFTERMARKET 5