September 2025 All-make parts: Intensifying competition in a changing market

The slides from this webinar are shown below together with a video recording, speaking notes will be added shortly.

A significant consolidation has happened amongst European independent parts distributors over the past decade, but this has now slowed and we are entering an ‘integration’ phase.  However, the sector is still subject to fundamental changes. Some factors, such as an ageing car parc, favour the independent aftermarket, but electrification, new technology, and more ‘virtual’ operations are currently effectively under OEM control, with knock-on implications for spare parts.

Meanwhile, traditional independent distributors are facing new competition from OEM parts strategies for the ‘all-makes’ aftermarket, and some have been acquired by dealer groups as they look to get involved too.  Independent trade groups are now under pressure from large online players selling parts and services directly to independent repairers, starting with tyres and now extending into mechanical parts.  Environmental and legal pressures are also pushing the ‘green parts’ agenda.  And independent repairers are reporting falling workshop entries as customers come under economic pressure and defer the maintenance of their car.

All of these factors will affect the future prospects for independent parts distributors.  In this webinar, we reported on recent developments, and looked at the strategies that will be needed to face the future.