The European automotive aftermarket was worth US$188.5bn in terms of retail value in 2002, representing just under 30% of the global aftermarket. Despite unprecedented challenges, forecasts indicate that the global market will continue to expand, reaching US$850bn by 2007. Published in June 2003, this report identifies and analyses the trends and issues that are driving the aftermarket sector in Europe and the effect they will have on the industry as a whole and the companies within the industry.

Coverage includes:

• Industry Trends
  
• Product forecasts of 12 key product areas
  
• Country analysis
  
• Recent developments at OEMs
  
• 30 key industry supplier profiles
  

Trends

The European aftermarket is facing major structural change from new and more active regulatory intervention. Also, technological and process changes are redrawing the successful business model for participants at all stages of the aftermarket manufacturing, marketing and distribution chain.

The report evaluates the impact of

• Block Exemption regulation
  
• New market entrants
  
• E-Business
  
• New business models
  

Sectors

The European Aftermarket Report quantifies current and forecast volumes out to 2007 for key sectors including air-conditioning, batteries, braking systems, clutches, exhausts systems, filters, glass, lighting, rotating electrics, shock absorbers, spark plugs wipers and windscreens.

Countries

The European Aftermarket Report looks at the trends in all the major West European markets. The report also includes an overview of the increasingly significant volume markets of central and eastern Europe. The report looks at recent developments in key markets that are leading developments in specific areas such as the Netherlands, Austria and Scandinavia.

Companies

The Report looks at the current strengths and weakness of major OEM and supplier participants in the aftermarket and recent developments in their strategy within the changing marketplace. The report covers leading OEMs, suppliers and distributors.

The European Aftermarket

Within Europe, the EU's changes to the original Block Exemption regulation present new and important opportunities and challenges to players in Europe's aftermarket and could result in major restructuring of the sector.

The aftermarket is experiencing weakness due to the improved life expectancy of OE parts. While there is some opportunity for aftermarket replacements to increase, suppliers are increasingly being required to deliver innovative aftermarket products that upgrade the performance or safety of a vehicle's original components to drive aftermarket demand.

Fundamental changes are also occurring at the wholesale level.The formation of pan-European buying groups is seen as a defensive move in response to the strong competitive forces from vehicle makers, fast-fits and auto centres. Also, franchised dealer networks are struggling to maintain their market share due mainly to declining parts usage in the cars 0-4 year range, which form their key customer base.

This wide-ranging and detailed report identifies and analyses the trends and issues that are driving the aftermarket sector and evaluates the effect they will have on the industry as a whole and the companies within the industry. It will be of interest to all involved in the European aftermarket in vehicle service and repair parts as well as in manufacturing, distribution and retailing.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Aftermarket has traditionally been a key source of profitability for both carmaker and major first tier supplier in Europe. However, quality and regulatory changes are having a major impact on the profit potential of the sector, opening opportunities as well as exposing new threats.

The European Aftermarket Report evaluates how the first tier
suppliers are responding to the structural changes underway and the new marketing segments opening up. The report asks

• What new strategies are the first tiers following?
  
• How will big suppliers grow sales in the aftermarket?
  
• How have major players responded to regulatory changes?
  
• How are the e-business platforms shaping up?
  
• What will change mean for the independent garages?
  
• Will independent garages lose out to dealerships