A special panel discussion event in Brussels has highlighted some the challenges faced by the European automotive aftermarket and the steps being taken to address key issues. 

Co-hosted by industry representative bodies FIGIEFA and Euractiv, the event spotlighted the crucial role of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket (IAM) plays in supporting Europe's industrial competitiveness, sustainability, and consumer mobility.

Opening the event, FIGIEFA President Mats Engberg stressed that the IAM is not only adapting to change but actively driving it, ensuring the safety, affordability, and sustainability of 284 million European vehicles. He emphasised the need for EU policymakers to integrate the full automotive value chain into the Automotive Industrial Action Plan, warning that the aftermarket's pivotal role is often overlooked.

A key moment came with the presentation of the Roland Berger Independent Aftermarket Panorama Study, which highlighted the sector's significant economic contribution by employing over 3.2 million people and investing heavily in innovation (4-5% of revenues), outpacing many other industries.

The panellists, representing policymakers, industry leaders, and consumer associations, delved into pressing issues, such as:

• Access to in-vehicle data, functions and resources and technical information, where calls were made for faster, sector-specific legislation beyond the Data Act.
• The need to prioritise remanufacturing, repairability, and upskilling in the Automotive Industrial Action Plan, ensuring EVs are affordable and maintainable over their lifespan.
• Ensuring fair competition and to strengthen circular economy practices, particularly regarding EV battery repair and reuse.
• Consumers' growing expectation for accessible, cost-effective of digital mobility services.

Closing the event, FIGIEFA reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate closely with EU institutions in a successful implementation of the Automotive Industrial Action Plan, emphasising that a future-proof European automotive strategy requires the recognition of the full lifecycle of vehicles, including the aftermarket.

You can watch a recording of the event here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMYVQiwuxOs&t=4331s