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More than 300 participants gathered at the 10th edition of the CLEPA Aftermarket Conference, today in Brussels, to discuss the latest trends and opportunities for the automotive aftermarket at a crucial time for industry.

In her keynote speech, Sigrid de Vries, Secretary General of CLEPA, highlighted:

“Driven by electrification, digitalisation and connectivity, new business models are gaining ground, reshaping the traditionally very stable automotive aftermarket from a repair and maintenance business into a services business over the entire lifetime of the vehicle. This will fundamentally change the face of this key part of the automotive suppliers’ activities. The CLEPA Aftermarket Conference is the leading event in this field in Europe and the place to meet for automotive suppliers, policy makers and other stakeholders. The opportunity to exchange views and learn about the latest legislative and technological developments in the sector is more relevant than ever. ”

As expressed by multiple speakers from industry and market analysts, the connectivity of vehicles and the utilisation of vehicle-generated data will trigger new services and business. Driven by the mandatory eCall regulation, connectivity in new vehicles has now become standard. A fundamental prerequisite to participate in this new emerging mobility market is the fair, undistorted, unmonitored and competitive access to in-vehicle data, of course with the consumer’s consent.

Frank Schlehuber, CLEPA Senior consultant Market Affairs commented:

“Both connectivity and the expected substantial increase of electrified vehicles will disrupt the traditional aftermarket value chain. The way in which connectivity or, more specifically, the communication from and to a vehicle is realised, has a major impact on the competitiveness of market participants and the speed of development and implementation of innovative mobility services.”

“Especially the strong growth of BEVs will lead to a stagnating or even declining market for traditional wear and tear parts in mature markets. In combination with the ongoing consolidation of the wholesale distribution and the initiatives of vehicle manufacturers to either invest in the independent aftermarket or to increase significantly their share in the services market, adds further cost pressure on suppliers.”

The European Commission presented on the latest regulatory developments. With the new type approval requirements published in 2018, EU legislators have strengthened the independent aftermarket by securing access to electronically processable vehicle equipment information as well as securing the on-board-diagnostics functionality. With the upcoming revision of the motor vehicle bloc exemption regulation (MVBER) beyond 2023 and the revision of the repair clause, the European Commission has opened discussions that will be crucial for the future of the independent aftermarket.

The Conference also debated how to find and keep the right talent to participate in this dynamic part of the automotive business. After an introduction by recruitment consultancy Korn Ferry on the dimensions of leadership, a lively panel followed suit with representatives from suppliers, distributors and participants from other industries.

In an exhibition, open to all participants of the CLEPA Aftermarket Conference, the companies Schaeffler, Continental and Caruso Dataplace, jointly demonstrated a fully digitalised process to allow fast and efficient repair and maintenance of vehicles in the independent aftermarket. The exhibition also included a display showcasing the future of repair workshops in a connected world, presenting how the share of vehicles’ telematic data through a digital marketplace enables optimised logistics & repair processes, as well as higher consumer satisfaction.