The transition to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and alternative fuel powertrains is perhaps the most significant market trend facing the remanufacturing industry around the world, especially in Europe, the United States and mainland China. The transition has the potential to reshape the industry in the long term, and while we expect minimal impact before 2030, investments into research and development and formulation of strategies will be critical in the near term to ensure a smooth tran...

Digitalization has had a significant impact on the automotive aftermarket, including new business models, new digital services, and better access to information. The easier access to the internet has allowed consumers to make more informed decisions about vehicle repair and leverage data for predictive maintenance solutions. As for workshops, the greater internet penetration is enabling online ordering of spares and allowing vehicle diagnosis and repair through augmented reality. Aftermarket sup...

In an attempt to sharpen its focus on electric vehicle (EV) technologies while accelerating growth under the “Charging Forward” strategy, the Michigan-based automotive component supplier BorgWarner Inc. said on 6 December 2022 that it plans to spin off its fuel systems and aftermarket businesses into a separate, publicly traded company (NewCo). The announcement comes amid the ongoing global shift to EVs as both automakers and component suppliers transition supply chains and their respecti...

As the shift toward battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) gains momentum in key automotive markets around the world, the lifespan of BEVs vis a vis that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is increasingly coming into focus. Typically, ICE vehicles that have completed about 12–15 years of registration are designated end-of-life (EOL) in most countries. However, because electric cars are still relatively new to the market, it is still early to arrive at tangible data on how long an electr...

The automotive industry of the future will need to be more integrated and offer on-demand and personalized services. In their quest to better position themselves in that environment, vehicle manufacturers have started looking at blockchain technology to better track and protect vehicles' true identities. If adopted widely, this is expected to affect the traditional model of service and repair. Blockchain technology offers several benefits such as improving supply chain processes, streamlining...

The European Commission on 14 July unveiled its much-anticipated roadmap designed to support the European Union's (EU’s) commitment to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% from 1990 levels by 2030. Dubbed "Fit for 55", the legislative package sets the EU on course to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. If fully implemented, the Fit for 55 proposals would imply an emissions reduction of 42% from 2019 levels by 2030. Until then, they are just that—proposals. T...

The global shortage of semiconductors began a few months into the pandemic, setting off a perfect storm in the auto industry from Asia to Europe to the US. Driven by the continued parts shortages caused by chip supply constraints, carmakers were forced to cut production with no early solution in sight. VW stopped production of various models in Europe, China, and North America with 10,000 employees furloughed. A...

The mobility ecosystem is driving several megatrends such as connected services, vehicle autonomy, shared economy, and electrification. The role of tires in this future mobility environment will involve delivering a safer, smarter, efficient transportation experience, while also improving social and environmental outcomes. The convergence of these megatrends will place unique demands on tires beyond the ability to roll at high speeds and maintain grip under any road condition. Tires will also...