IN!SIDE nr. 31- Mega Trends

MEGA TRENDS

EDITORIAL NOTE  WELCOME FROM THE CEO  INSIGHTS FROM NEXUS COMMUNITY  ABOUT NEXUS

FREEK BLEKXTOON (ALLPARTS) JOINS

NEXUS AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL AS NEXUS WORKSHOPS NETWORK DEVELOPMENT EXPERT.

Freek Blekxtoon, NEXUS Workshops Network Development Expert

NEXUS AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL WILL ACCELERATE ITS GROWTH IN AFRICA THROUGH A DEDICATED ENTITY, IAMAGA.

 WHY THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE DIGITALIZED.

Qiu Liqiang, General Manager, G-Parts

BREMBO BEYOND EV KIT: RESISTANCE TO CORROSION, LESS NOISE AND DURABILITY DIFFERENTIATE THIS RANGE OF THE AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS DEDICATED TO ELECTRIC CARS Matteo Busnelli, Head of Aftermarket Marketing, Global Business Unit Aftermarket Brembo S.p.A.



NTN INNOVATION ADDRESSES YOUR CHALLENGES.

Christophe Idelon, Vice President Automotive

Aftermarket,

NTN Europe

 THE NEW GENERATION FORCES US TO QUESTION OURSELVES.

Claudie Cahart, CEO, ID Rechange



VALEO SERVICE – A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE AFTERMARKET.

INSIDE 31 | MARCH 2023

NEXUS IN ! SIDE MAGAZINE is published by NEXUS Automotive International, Geneva, Switzerland.

NEXUS Automotive International SA

Chemin du Château-Bloch 11

1219 Le Lignon | Geneva | Switzerland

T +41 22 306 49 50

www.nexusautomotiveinternational.eu



FINDING THE RIGHT KIT FOR DIGITALIZATION IN THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET.

Jens Schüler, CEO Schaeffler

Automotive Aftermarket

ON-SITE ENGINEERING

STATE-OF-THE-ART PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

QUALITY COMPONENTS

APPLICATION-SPECIFIC DESIGN

EXTENSIVELY TESTED

SUMMARY

WELCOME FROM THE CEO

Gaël Escribe, CEO

NEXUS Automotive International

NEWS FROM N!

• NEXUS Automotive International creates an Ecommerce business unit & appoints Robbie Stevens as Head of Ecommerce Business Unit

• A first for the US: NEXUS Automotive International launches its N! Academy training session during the AVI Annual Technician Conference

• NEXUS Automotive International will accelerate its growth in Africa through a dedicated entity, IAMAGA

• Freek Blekxtoon (AllParts) joins NEXUS Automotive International as NEXUS Workshops Network Development Expert

INSIGHTS FROM THE AFTERMARKET WORLD AND BEYOND

09 14 14

• New from BorgWarner: DualTronicTM Dual Clutch Modules now available for the Aftermarket, BorgWarner • Brembo beyond EV kit - Resistance to corrosion, less noise and durability differentiate this range of the Aftermarket products dedicated to electric cars, Matteo Busnelli, Head of Aftermarket Marketing Global Business Unit Aftermarket Brembo S.p.A. • Why the automobile industry should be digitalized, Qiu Liqiang, General Manager G Parts • The new generation forces us to question ourselves, Claudie Cahart, CEO ID Rechange

• Sustainable Mobility, Idan Katz & Danielle Walsh Partner & CTO Mobilion, CEO of Clearly • How to keep our Customers mobile in the coming years? N! Service Team, NEXUS Automotive International • Digitalization, Electrification, Sustainability, Consolidation, in Africa, Martin Hendriksen, Strategic Planning & Customer Experience Director NEXUS Automotive International • Digitalization, Technology, Brand Value & pricing: 4 major factors are becoming significant, Robbie Stevens, Head of Ecommerce Business Unit NEXUS Automotive International • NTN innovation addresses your challenges, Christophe Idelon, Vice-President Aftermarket

NTN Europe • The North American mega trends, Robert Roos, President of The ProntoNetworkAPSG and President of NEXUS North America • The premature death knell of the internal combustion engine, Barry Neal, Senior Partner & Neury Freitas, Partner Roland Berger • Finding the right kit for digitalization in the automotive aftermarket, Jens Schüler, CEO Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket • Sparker & Novazure: accelerating the green revolution in mobility, Marco Bevilacqua, Co-Founder & Executive Officer of Reefilla, Alex Kosyakov, CEO of Natrion • Valeo Service - A sustainable approach for a more sustainable aftermarket • The race to the end customer has begun! Jean-Marc Pierret, Journalist ZePros • How digitalization influences the future service experience, Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket and Executive Vice President

Tackling Future Challenges Today

How the bilstein group Creates Digital Solutions

The automotive aftermarket is becoming more and more digital, and so is the bilstein group. An internal department is focusing solely on digital commerce to support our customers in the online world - online retailers and the stationary trade alike. We support these customers with targeted content and solutions, such as 360-degree product images and videos, or with direct system connections to help them experience our products digitally.

In the long run the bilstein group has the same ambitious thinking online as it does offline, meaning we want to be just as customer-oriented. We want to offer our customers more than just automotive parts. To do this, it is important to listen to every customer and recognise their needs.

Research & Data

Data helps us to deliver predictable business. However, we do not rely on third parties for vehicle data; instead, the bilstein group employs an in-house team of specialists dedicated to vehicle research and data accuracy. They are constantly collecting data to verify that we have the correct parts in range. We are also creating our own solutions - developing new software to fulfil our customers’ future needs and anticipating upcoming trends at an early stage.

The data we collect is more than just vehicle data. Having the correct data plays a crucial role in every aspect of business - from competitive intelligence and sourcing, to pricing and sales. For us, data analytics is one path to success: by collecting, analyzing and utilizing data, we establish controlling processes and stimulate business development.

Sharing is Caring

Our goal is to show you unlocked market potential. Please feel free to contact us and start a conversation - this way, we can support you as best as possible:

+49 2333 911-0

info@bilsteingroup.com

bilsteingroup.com

The bilstein group has the same ambitious thinking online as it does offline, meaning we want to be just as customer-oriented.

Tomorrow`s Needs are Our Drive

With our three strong brands febi, SWAG and Blue Print, we are consistently oriented to the current and future needs of our customers.

As a result, we maintain an ongoing focus and commitment throughout our organisation to…

• Create solutions which support sustainable progress and future opportunities for each level of the supply chain

• Remain agile and know today what our customers need for their business development tomorrow

• Produce what is needed without the range restrictions of first or second tier mono-suppliers: we are Independent

• Provide The Right Product in The Right Place at The Right Time

Individually

Strong, Unbeatable as a Team

WELCOME FROM THE CEO

Dear Reader,

NEXUS, as a leading player, is connecting the leaders of the AA and investing in innovative and sustainable models to lead the revolution of the industry including digitalization, transformation and sustainable mobility. Since 2014, our purpose has been to move the sector forward, to innovate, invest, to be able to support these major priorities as well as accelerate the growth of our community. Our aim is to offer you the big picture and identify the challenges of tomorrow.

So, in this new edition of INSIDE, we share some thoughts, inputs and solutions deployed by our community - prior to the NEXUS Business Forum, which will take place 21 - 23 March, in Montreal.

For the very first time, we are organizing the NEXUS Climate Day with the key players of sustainability in order to draw together the concrete actions that the community could deploy to be more sustainable.

Addressing the evolution of the market will give us the opportunity to reach new heights together. We hope you will find it inspiring! Now enjoy reading IN!SIDE magazine.

For this, the first 2023 edition of INSIDE magazine, we would like to focus on the mega trends that our industry is facing.

Gaël Escribe CEO of NEXUS Automotive International

Driving your business Now and in the future

Our value propositions, reliable, sustainable, ready for tomorrow

Front Pipes & Flexibles

The absolute number 1 in sustainability

Contributing to a cleaner world by consistently innovating in mobility & energy.

I reduce exhaust fumes and noise.

What’s your superpower?

Catalytic Converters & Diesel Particulate Filters

Intermediate Silencers

Rear Silencers

Mounting and Repair Parts

Towbars

Bicycle Carriers

DPF Additive

Be ready 4 ... the next generation

• based on organometallic components (liquid cerium and/or iron)

• 4 generations with own specific concentration

• NOT an universal solution

• Full kit package, including all needed accessories to empty and refill

Did you know that BOSAL is also determined to take a leading position in the emerging renewable energy markets and is expanding fast into advanced sustainable products. We are already a key player in heat exchanger solutions for all emerging technologies. It is our ambition in achieving a leading market offering and high market success in this sector.

Take part in more sustainability

Conserving resources through reuse: With its exchange program, Bosch is focusing on the circular economy. By effectively reusing the returned parts, raw materials are used sustainably. Join in and make your contribution to sustainability by value-based vehicle repairs with a Bosch eXchange part.

boschaftermarket.com

It’stimetogo

beyond

theordinary

work harmoniously together, to prevent corrosion and reduce noise.

Assembled to Brembo’s unparalleled OE quality specifications, you have peace of mind knowing your brakes are performing, and protected, from rust in every condition, and every drive, up to and beyond 100,000km.

Specially designed for leading global car manufacturers, and drivers, who always go beyond the ordinary.

BREMBO OE QUALITY

LESS NOISE

ANTI-CORROSION

EV SPECIFIC

NEXUS AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL CREATES AN ECOMMERCE BUSINESS UNIT & APPOINTS ROBBIE STEVENS AS HEAD OF ECOMMERCE BUSINESS UNIT

NEXUS Automotive International, the Automotive Aftermarket Company, is delighted to announce the launch of a new business unit dedicated to Ecommerce. Robbie Stevens is appointed Head of Ecommerce Business Unit starting in January. His appointment will allow NEXUS to answer to the needs and priorities of its community and in fine, support growth and the upcoming transformation.

A new business to better fit the priorities of the N! community

The launch of the Ecommerce Business Unit - such as the launch of the Heavy Duty one - is the perfect illustration of how N! supports its community to accelerate and generate growth and move from “Parts” to “Parts and Services” through the diversification of its activities.

On one hand, the creation of this dedicated Ecommerce Business Unit is answering the needs of the Ecommerce players – which are part of N! community since its creation in 2014 – to create value. This department will, on the other hand, create tools and services for the traditional players to support the upcoming transformation. Ultimately, this new Business Unit could generate new entrepreneurial initiatives that could become future start-ups incubated by NEXUS. For 20 years, Robbie Stevens career path has developed within the automotive aftermarket.

First, he founded his own successful automotive online company before joining Mister-Auto, as Head of Marketplace Business Development to expand their global marketplace footprint. Then, Robbie was promoted to Country Manager (UK & Ireland) in 2017, before becoming ‘sales-focused’ as a freelance. Robbie then launched Ford Motor Company’s first ever B2C ecommerce Strategy with webshops and marketplaces in the big 5 EU markets along with North America as Head of Global Sales Growth & Marketing for Autonative. “We are very happy to welcome Robbie, who perfectly knows the industry - and start the new year with such a major project for N!. Indeed, innovation is part of N! DNA since its creation, our motto is to focus on keep supporting our community and provide some tools to lead the transformation; as we did the previous years and we will for the coming ones!” said Gael Escribe, CEO of NEXUS Automotive International. 

Support for the stressful tire change season

New Continental tire service tools for fast TPMS service and simple tire management – with smartphone feeling thanks to touchscreen and intuitive operation. Top model Autodiagnos Tire 300 with integrated RFID module and camera.

For many workshops, tire business means one thing above all: rush. To make this stressful seasonal business work easier and faster, Continental presents three new tire service devices: Autodiagnos Tire 100, Autodiagnos Tire 200 and Autodiagnos Tire 300. The Autodiagnos Tire range stands out with its intuitive operation and a high degree of user-friendliness. Almost all European vehicles are covered.

As intuitive as a smartphone

The new tire service tools grant quick access to key system data, and thanks to their touchscreens with a very simple manual navigation, they are as easy to use as smartphones. The new Autodiagnos Tire devices support workshops not only in activation, programming and relearning of sensors, but also in downstream processes such as documentation, storage and ordering of new tires. The integrated OBD II relearning routines simplify relearning of new TPMS sensors to the ECUs in the vehicle as much as activation of sensors in seasonal tire changes.

Autodiagnos Tire 300 – flagship with a RFID module

The flagship Autodiagnos Tire 300 has everything that workshops and fleets need for efficient tire service: The large 8-inch display shows all relevant TPMS and tire data at a glance. In addition, the new tools are already fit for future applications, such as direct communication with the RFID tags in the tires via the integrated RFID module. These tags contain all of the important data from the tire manufacturer. After the assignment to a vehicle, Autodiagnos 300 transfers the TPMS sensor’s entire data package to the on-board electronics.

Autodiagnos Tire 200 –smart communication between tire and workshop

Autodiagnos Tire 200 comes with a 5-inch touchscreen, synchronizes jobs wirelessly with the workshop’s order system via Wi-Fi and has them printed out. It can acquire TPMS sensor data via an integrated OBD II module and initiate relearning. An especially attractive feature is the “ID Match” function, allowing workshops to identify individual sensors via the OBD II interface and fix the issue afterwards.

Autodiagnos Tire 100 – TPMS service with OBD II module

The low-cost entry-level model of the range is based on the proven system used in all of the tire service tools for sensor activation, programming and relearning at Continental. In addition, it includes a number of user-friendly applications. It is connected to the vehicle’s OBD II interface via a network cable on an external OBD II module. The 3.5-inch touchscreen shows all TPMS data on one screen for easy control of the functions.

Everything inside: OBD II module, RJ45 interface, RFID chip and WLAN connection. Thanks to the integrated camera, the Autodiagnos Tire 300 can also take pictures of the tyres or the vehicle and assign them directly to a job. It is equipped with an 8-inch display and the flagship of the new TPMS service tool family.

Touchscreen and super-fast activation, relearning included –the three new TPMS service tools from Continental (from left): Autodiagnos Tire 100, 300 and 200.

A FIRST FOR THE US: NEXUS AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES ITS N! ACADEMY TRAINING SESSION DURING THE AVI ANNUAL TECHNICIAN CONFERENCE

NEXUS Automotive International, the Automotive Aftermarket Company, launched its first N! Academy for North America January 12-15, 2023 during the AVI Annual Technician in-person Training Conference sponsored by NEXUS North America shareholders (APA, APSG and VIPAR Heavy Duty).

More than 250 technicians attended classes on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th January - along with local vocational school students - eager to learn and sharpen their automotive technical knowledge. The courses on offer were dedicated to passenger cars and heavy duty; and covered a broad range of subjects including: hybrid electric, EV technology, Heavy Duty air brake boosters, air conditioning and HD emissions systems. These were taught by high level professional trainers. This event also enabled a dozen suppliers to introduce their product experts & branded product solutions and educate the technicians about the materials. This session was in addition to the training itself and designed to create links between the NEXUS North America community.

“APSG and our NEXUS North America Shareholder partners – APA and VIPAR - are thrilled to be a primary sponsor of the AVI training confe-

rence,” said Robert Roos – President of NEXUS North America. “Technologies in our industry are evolving at a faster and faster pace and the need for training these automotive repair experts on advanced technologies is critical to providing car and fleet truck owners with independent repair options for their vehicle.”

“NEXUS Academy is proud to expand its automotive training program for automotive professionals into North America and enhance the ways that Technicians and other automotive personnel can learn”, said Florian Precigout – Garage Concepts and Service Director for NEXUS Automotive.

“As we move forward, we are excited to provide access to our N! Academy website – offering highly technical training to the basics of automotive light vehicle and heavy- duty repair – for automotive professionals of the NEXUS North America community.” 

FULL MECHATRONIC RANGE

Your One-Stop-Shop of ALL spare parts from turbo to tailpipe – meaning that we also cover the most popular mechatronic spare parts for exhaust systems placed on your Euro 4-6 and EPA10-17 buses and trucks.

Our Mechatronic parts are:

• Directly replaceable with OE

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going the extra mile

On Stock Coming Soon

Dinex is ready to support you before, during and after the purchase. Get more technical knowledge about our full mechatronic program here.

FREEK BLEKXTOON (ALLPARTS) JOINS

NEXUS AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL AS NEXUS WORKSHOPS NETWORK DEVELOPMENT EXPERT

Freek Blekxtoon, CEO of NEXUS Automotive Netherlands, (AllParts wholesale network for twenty years), is joining NEXUS Automotive International as NEXUS Workshops Network Development Expert in the Garage Service & Concept department. He takes up his appointment from April 1st 2023.

In this role he will further develop the NEXUS networks of garages (N!Auto and N!Truck), which are already active in more than 20 countries. Freek Blekxtoon’s ambition is to support and enhance the development of the networks to reach a target of 25,000 in 2025.

Gael Escribe, CEO of Nexus Automotive International, adds: “We are very pleased that Freek will be committed to our international group for the very first time. His knowledge and experience, and his network in both the car and truck markets, will be very valuable in supporting our team. We are ambitious and definitely need his

expertise to enhance the professionalism of our networks if we are to hit that target of 25,000 garages!”

Freek Blekxtoon said: “I am full of energy and happy to take on the international challenges within NEXUS Automotive International!”

NEXUS Automotive Netherlands (Eemnes) - previously GroupAuto Nederland - now has 32 AllParts wholesaler members and recently became a shareholder of NEXUS International for the automotive segment. Wijlhuizen (with Beneparts) is the truck and trailer partner for NEXUS in the Benelux. 

DENSO brings its remanufacturing programme into the limelight

Emphasising its credentials as an environmentally conscious manufacturer with sustainability at its core, DENSO’s comprehensive programme includes diesel injectors and pumps, starters and alternators and nickel hybrid vehicle batteries

DENSO is widely recognised as one of the world’s largest original equipment (OE) component manufacturers and system suppliers, with an extensive aftermarket portfolio. Its remanufacturing programme however, is less well known, despite being active in the European market for more than 10 years.

To raise aftermarket awareness of the environmentally sustainable components, DENSO Europe, Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager, Fatiha Laauich spoke with Andre Koppenol, manager of the remanufacturing team and his colleagues, who are collectively responsible for the OE quality range.

Fatiha Laauich (FL): “So, what is the main reason that DENSO has a remanufacturing programme?”

Remanufacturing Team (RT) “It’s actually threefold, to deliver high quality products of the same standards as the original component on the vehicle, but manufactured in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way

FL: “So, where do DENSO remanufactured components fit in the aftermarket?

RT: “Today, if a product like a starter or alternator fails, or the battery in their hybrid vehicle breaks down, European motorists have a choice as to whether they replace it with a brand-new unit or a remanufactured one.

“Each of these components is the same in terms of its quality, in fact in some circumstances, such as when it’s rebuilt according to the latest OE standards compared to a new unit of a four year old design, you could even say it’s better. So, the choice for the consumer is whether they prefer a remanufactured unit that is more environmentally friendly and cheaper to purchase, or a completely new one

“However, we’d obviously encourage our customers to highlight the environmental and potential newer technology benefits of the remanufactured unit ”

FL: “A question that often arises is the difference between remanufacture and repair? ”

NEXUS AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL WILL ACCELERATE ITS GROWTH IN AFRICA THROUGH A DEDICATED ENTITY, IAMAGA

Nine years after the creation of the automotive aftermarket company, NEXUS Automotive International will further focus on Africa through IAMAGA, a dedicated entity. The aim is to accelerate growth on the continent and continue deploying N! innovative and sustainable initiatives.

• N! Academy Training deployment (garages/ distributors).

• Garages network services structuration.

• Mobility in Africa through innovation screening.

N! will further develop the activities of IAMAGA, a regional entity dedicated to the African Automotive Aftermarket, which includes 34 Africa based members and their affiliates.

IAMAGA will be providing specific services to its community such as:

• Transactional activities, for optimized access and pricing.

• Strategic Partnerships with OEMS, with specific commercial collaborations.

• Financing and coordination of innovative projects.

• Assistance with sustainability related initiatives.

• Data sharing.

• African members representativity (central service center, credit risk scoring, …)

• Sustainability: « Re-man / Re-use / Recycle » activities structuration.

• Replicate the newly created Algerian Academy in other markets.

IAMAGA will also reunite its community through the organization of a dedicated mid-year event, which will take place in Morocco.

“Africa has always been strategic since the launch of NEXUS - it’s part of the DNA. After 9 years, we have developed an impressive network that is looking forward to providing more quality parts, more services, innovation, and of course, a sustainable future!” said Gael Escribe, CEO of NEXUS Automotive International. 

NEW FROM BORGWARNER: DUALTRONICTM DUAL CLUTCH MODULES NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE AFTERMARKET

Millions of cars on Europe’s roads are already equipped with pioneering clutch systems from innovation leader BorgWarner.

That is why the automotive supplier is now expanding its aftermarket portfolio with the introduction of dual clutch systems for passenger cars. To be specific: BorgWarner will offer six DualTronicTM Modules for some of the most common and widely used vehicle types. The original spare parts, identical to the pro-

ducts provided for engine manufacturers worldwide, are produced according to the latest OEM requirements and quality standards and are guaranteed to fit accurately.

Advantages for the customer

Drivers benefit from improved fuel economy that rivals single clutch automated gearboxes, less torque interruption, and superior hill hold and creep performance. Shift quality equal to the best conventional automatic transmissions and adaptive performance contribute to overall enhanced comfort. In the long run, car owners profit from improved durability and reliability.

How it works

BorgWarner´s DualTronicTM wet-clutch technology features tunable launch characteristics and scalable torque capacity in a compact, modular design. The clutch module uses two wet clutches to engage the odd and even gears respectively, allowing shifts within fractions of a second with no perceived interruption of powerflow. The DualTronicTM control module employs low-leakage electro-hydraulic solenoids to precisely control the clutch and the transmission’s gearshift actuation system for responsive shifting and dynamic performance. 

READY FOR ANYTHING: NEW TIMING BELTS

We are adding a large number of new models to our range of timing belts. This will ensure mechanics are perfectly equipped for carrying out repairs to around 1.5 million vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, Jaguar, Ford, Land Rover, Peugeot and Citroën.

Efficient, attractive and packed with extras: thanks to these qualities, and more besides, models from Hyundai and Kia continue to make inroads into the European market. To make sure mechanics are ideally prepared for all repair jobs on these vehicles too, we have expanded our product range accordingly: new additions include the CT1237 timing belt for the camshaft of new Hyundai Kauai, Kona, Tucson, i30 and i40 models, for example. This belt is also suitable for Kia models with a 1.6 l diesel engine, such as the Ceed, Optima, Proceed, Sportage, Stonic and Xceed, and can be fitted in mild hybrid applications too. The CT1238 belt for the oil pump (belt in oil) in the above models from Hyundai and Kia is likewise new.

–

The lineup of new products is completed by the CT1240 timing belt fitted in 2.0 EcoBlue engines from Ford. It has a slightly different tooth profile compared to the CT1233, making it suitable for the following vehicles from model year 2019 onwards. The engines affected are all 2.0 EcoBlue units including mild hybrid applications, such as in the Focus IV, Galaxy III, Kuga III, Mondeo V, Ranger, S-Max, Tourneo Custom V362 Bus and Transit Custom Bus models as well as the Kuga 2.0 EcoBlue mild hybrid.

As usual, all the key technical specifications can be found in the Product Information Center (PIC).

www.continental-engineparts.com

– Citroën C5 and C6

Peugeot 407 Coupe

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY

MATTEO BUSNELLI

Head of Aftermarket Marketing, Global Business Unit

Aftermarket Brembo S.p.A.

BREMBO BEYOND EV KIT: RESISTANCE TO

LESS NOISE AND DURABILITY DIFFERENTIATE THIS RANGE OF THE AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS DEDICATED TO ELECTRIC CARS

Today, electric and hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking in addition to traditional dissipative braking, resulting in less use of the friction brake than a car with a combustion engine.

However, regenerative braking has its own applicability, dependent on the total battery capacity and the battery capacity available at the time of use. In general, for Mild Hybrid and Full Hybrid cars, regenerative braking has very little influence on the use of conventional brakes due to the reduced battery capacity; whilst it has an important influence on electric cars.

In addition, cars with high regenerative braking, i.e. electric and plug-in cars, can make the most

of their characteristics in driving situations where acceleration and slowing down (city driving), or uphill and downhill (mountain driving), prevail. Moreover, regenerative braking cannot generate the same braking power as dissipative (frictional) braking. Therefore, in emergency braking, as well as in other modes of use, dissipative braking is always necessary for electric cars.

Today, most hybrid and electric cars use carry-over braking systems derived from conventional vehi-

CORROSION,

cle applications. This means that, particularly for electric cars, these braking systems are oversized for normal car use and, therefore, the actuation components will wear very little.

Manufacturers are reacting to this by trying to develop technological solutions suitable for this type of vehicle. In particular, the most important solutions concern: lightness, reduction of noise and residual torque, protection against corrosion and silent friction material.

As far as maintenance is concerned, it is very important in the new generation of electric cars to check for corrosion and possible deterioration of the components. The proper functioning of the brake caliper, and the possible replacement of deteriorated components, must be carried out promptly so as not to compromise the operation and safety of the system.

The Brembo Beyond EV kit is the right answer and consists of a special combination of coated brake discs and pads, enhancing Brembo’s Aftermarket offer for electric cars. This solution, derived directly from OE expertise, has been specifically designed to combine low environmental impact with the best possible performance and safety.

Safety and durability were central to the design of this solution. Electric cars use regenerative braking in addition to traditional dissipative braking, resulting in reduced use of friction brakes. Over time, this can result in the formation of rust on brake system components that are not used, ero-

ding the safety of the brake system, and increasing maintenance costs.

Thanks to the Brembo Beyond EV kit, Brembo’s goal was to create a disc and pad package that is quiet and resistant to corrosion, but which also minimizes residual drag and lasts longer, hence contributing to sustainability. The double-layer treatment of the disc helps to protect the entire kit from corrosion up to and beyond 100.000 km in any driving conditions. The special copper-free friction material reduces both dust and braking noise, and the galvanized backing plate protects the pad from corrosion.

Braking systems play a key role in shaping the future of mobility and Brembo, as a Solution Provider, is developing new products that will improve the driving dynamics of these new generations of vehicles. 

PREPARED FOR AN ELECTRIC FUTURE

Tenneco’s DRiV Business Committed to Helping Customers Capture

EV Service Opportunities

DRiV’s Monroe brand illustrates the importance of a manufacturer’s OE portfolio to success in the future EV aftermarket. Monroe OE Solutions passive dampers – used by leading EV manufacturers – and Monroe Intelligent Suspension electronic suspension technologies will ultimately redefine the aftermarket shock absorber service experience.

Conversations about electric vehicles used to begin with “If”. Now they are centered around “how fast”. While the shift to EVs has immediate implications for consumers and vehicle dealers, it will also soon affect the way in which the aftermarket serves its customers.

“Every major change in automotive technology was initially viewed as a threat to the aftermarket, only to become a new source of growth”, said Audrey Harling, Group Vice President and General Manager, EMEA Aftermarket for Tenneco’s DRiV group. “There is a similar opportunity in the shift to EVs.”

What We Know.

Although electrification dominates the headlines, ICE vehicles continue to dominate European roads. These vehicles are also longer lasting than any earlier generation of passenger vehicles, so parts and service opportunities tied to the ICE car parc will remain strong for years to come.

One interesting fact about EVs is that the weight and positioning of their EV battery packs can exert added stress on many components. DRiV already offers more than 2,000 steering and suspension parts engineered specifically for hybrid and battery-electric vehicles.

Braking Remains Strong.

EVs place severe demands on brake system components. Additionally, brake squeal and other noises can be more apparent on EVs. DRiV is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of brake pads for passenger vehicles. This unique OE insight ultimately benefits workshops that rely on FERODO replacement pads.

Also key to servicing EVs is using the proper brake fluid. FERODO has already introduced a first-to-market DOT 5.1 fluid – FERODO FBE050 – for EVs and HEVs to help workshops provide top-quality repairs of these vehicles.

Bringing

it All Home.

No matter how big or small the EV service opportunity might soon become, it represents a fundamental change for every workshop owner and mechanic. This makes technical training more important than ever.

These include better-than-OE MOOG track control arms manufactured from high-strength aluminium materials and featuring specialized surface treatments that further enhance strength and durability.

Many MOOG parts also now feature an advanced, “hybrid core” bearing technology that increases socket durability while providing smoother, quieter, more precise articulation.

Garage Gurus has already developed training modules covering best practices for servicing alternative fuel vehicles and the team continues to monitor emerging service requirements and other issues specific to these vehicles.

“We are well aware of the challenges and emerging technologies in the automotive aftermarket and it is our mission to help workshops succeed in this new future”, said Marijn Staal, senior manager, training and technical services, EMEA, Tenneco, and head of the Garage Gurus team.

Elring – Das Original Experience breeds innovation

As an automotive supplier, ElringKlinger has become a trusted partner to its customers – with a firm commitment to shaping the future of mobility. With 10,000 employees at 45 locations worldwide, ElringKlinger has a global presence and is always close to its customers.

The Elring aftermarket brand offers an all-embracing package: original equipment quality, functional reliability, and premium, end-to-end service. This includes, for example, sales and technical training, service information, explodedview drawings, monthly newsletters focusing on engine sealing solutions, an online sealing compound wizard, professional installation videos, the Elring Academy, the training truck, and much more besides.

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DRIVEN BY THE WAVE OF DIGITALIZATION

General Manager, G-Parts

WHY THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE DIGITALIZED

1. Automobile and industry: driven by the wave of digitalization. The automobile has changed from an original means of transportation to an intelligent mobile terminal connected with various ecologies. The new “four modernizations” of automobiles is the accelerated development of intellectualization and networking, and the future of electrification and sharing can be expected, which puts forward higher requirements for the digitalization and safety of automobiles.

2. Market and commerce: M2B2b2c value chain model. Vertical integration mode of traffic intermediary. B2B auto parts e-commerce model. S2c value chain model.

3. The upgrading advantages of a digital business model. It reduces the communication and transaction costs of both parties and coordination failure. The analysis and judgment generated by big data model calculation are more accurate. The industry is undergoing digital transformation to

meet the preference trend of increasingly young auto consumers. The upgrading of digital intelligent driving capability in the automobile industry is the general trend.

The policy is changing - the digital supervision of transport services is to make full use of modern information technology to build a digital transport management and service system; and to reconstruct the transport business management chain, the transport industry production chain and the transport service supply chain. This is achieved by connecting up and down, linking up front and back, integrating inside and outside, and building and using all kinds of information systems. It focuses on the digitalization of business management, the coordination of organization and operation and the precision of industry supervision. Building a modern transportation service system with allfield coverage, all-chain coordination, all-around supervision, all-weather service, and all-factor aggregation.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TREND OF CHINESE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES

1. Automobile Industry Association actively promotes the construction of a social responsibility system. China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) continues to drive industry enterprises to fulfill their social responsibilities and promote the sustainable development of China’s automobile industry. They have successively released the Industry Sustainable Development Report and held the Forum on Sustainable Development of the Automobile Industry.

2. The number of sustainable development reports/social responsibility reports/ESG reports will continue to increase. According to the “Golden Bee Corporate Social Responsibility Report Evaluation System”, the number of automobile enterprises that issued social responsibility reports is relatively low compared with the listing scale of automobile enterprises. The importance of social responsibility information disclosure is insufficient. With the continuous improvement of regu-

latory requirements, more enterprises will take the initiative to prepare sustainable development reports/social responsibility reports/ESG reports to disclose the performance of their responsibilities.

3. Sustainable management of suppliers has become the consensus to realize the stable operation of the supply chain. In the face of many problems brought by the current industrial chain and supply chain, the automobile industry enterprises continue to refine the sustainable standards and supplier code of conduct for the management of environmental, social and governance risks in the supply chain. In the Supplier Code of Conduct, it has repeatedly emphasized the aspects of supplier selection, including human rights, environmental management system, occupational health and safety system, responsible procurement, etc. The sustainable management of suppliers has become the consensus to realize the stable operation of the supply chain. 

We are part of every part

As a leading developer of technical innovations with 130 years of chassis expertise, Schae ler prides itself on an uncompromising approach to quality: Every element of our chassis components and intelligent repair solutions is developed and tested by Schae ler engineers in line with the most stringent quality standards. Signature quality to be proud of.

http://a ermarket.schae ler.com/chassis-parts

RELIABLE UNDER TOUGH CONDITIONS

WHEEL BEARINGS FOR ALL KINDS OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Wheel bearings as a part of the wheelend are exposed to extreme loads in day-to-day operation. With a wide range of different types of wheel bearings from Fersa Bearings, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices now has the right solution available. The product portfolio for trucks, buses and trailers comprises various bearing types and is complemented by the corresponding tools.

| truckservices.knorr-bremse.com |

Let’s keep riding our wave of success together!

Only the best quality is good enough when it comes to replacing propshafts in cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles. Manufacturing these high-tech components calls for a wealth of expertise and high-precision production facilities. You can rely on propshafts from GKN Automotive because they meet these stringent demands and exactly match the products supplied to OEMs.

High-tech shafts for safety and comfort:

Propshafts from GKN Automotive meet the toughest safety standards from vehicle manufacturers

Ultra-modern technologies make smaller, lighter and extremely heat-resistant joints possible

Highly advanced tube materials, filled tubes for vibration and noise optimisation, variable tube diameters and lightweight, thin-walled tubes

Crash-optimised compositions

Precision-balanced shafts to OEM specifications minimise vibrations and maximise ride comfort

We have the right product for every application:

Complete, OEM-quality propshafts

Applications for all renowned manufacturers

Propshafts for all vehicle categories from mini SUVs to light commercial vehicles

22 million vehicle links in TecDoc

Sole supplier of the latest joint technologies on the spare parts market

Safety as standard: The Ballspline plunge unit from GKN Automotive, shown here as a sectional view in the lower half of the shaft, enables the component to become shorter in a crash (example from the VW Amarok).

CLAUDIE CAHART CEO, ID Rechange

THE NEW GENERATION FORCES US TO QUESTION OURSELVES PAY AS WE USE

The 40–60-year-olds generation has gone through the biggest societal and technological changes following the arrival of the internet and smartphones into their lives.

The new generation wishes for a slowdown – a return to simple things, to a more responsible consumption.

This generation is more pragmatic, and more concerned about the environment: it is sensitive to this and, for example, finding such solutions ecofriendly packaging (or no packaging at all) and to the carbon footprint that is created. Much less materialistic, they give less importance to possessions and are very sensitive to giving a second life to products. Their idyllic world is: “Pay as you use”

This adage goes beyond possible financial reasons for doing so. This new mode of consumption has facilitated e-commerce sites to be born and to become part of our daily lives in all sectors including: textile, food and automotive.

ID RECHANGE has over 200 members and 8 platforms in France. Its role is to study the impact of all these behaviours and new modes of consumption in the short/medium and long-term by drawing on the expertise of N! INTERNATIONAL and

its equipment partners. This expertise encompasses the provision of services, training (technical and tertiary) and digital solutions to the current 200 NEXUSAUTO repairers through its distributors remains the priority for ID RECHANGE.

In addition to behavioural changes, there are technological ONES. The end of combustion engines announced in Europe for 2035 already requires us to question ourselves. The choice of a radical electrification of the car park suggests a significant impact on maintenance and repair.

With an average age for the French car park of about 12 years and non-adapted infrastructures, ID RECHANGE still has time to consider and propose other services to its members and garages.

From 10 to 12 March, ID RECHANGE will bring together all its distributors and NEXUSAUTO garages on the Castellet circuit. The garage equipment supplier partners will have the opportunity to explain to professionals the challenges of training and equipment for today’s and tomorrow’s vehicles. 

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Haldex steel air tanks for Trucks

Your choice in vehicle servicing. Because it’s from Haldex, every air tank is tested to the most rigorous standards.

DECARBONISING, A GLOBAL CHALLENGE FOR HUMANITY

IDAN KATZ & DANIELLE WALSH Partner & CTO Mobilion; CEO of Clearly

SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

1. Why should we address mobility when addressing sustainability?

The movement of goods and people are mandatory for ordinary life and societal stability. Economic growth worldwide is premised upon various forms of mobility, including the movement of materials to worksites, the distribution of finished products to markets, the daily travel of workers, and the emergency travel of those in need of medical assistance.

Economic globalisation, higher living standards and the boom in tourism have spurred on an increase in passenger and freight volumes worldwide and are expected to triple by 2050 if current demands continue. With nearly all forms of transportation relying on petroleum products, it is no surprise then that the transportation sector is responsible for the fastest growth in CO2 emissions.

In order to limit, control and associate responsibility over carbon emissions, governments and businesses worldwide have committed to the

Paris Agreement objectives, but reaching these objectives is not easy. For years, technology has focused on operational efficiency, but achieving emissions efficiency is not a trivial task.

Road transportation of passengers and goods (by car, truck, bus or two-wheeler) account for between 20% and 25% of world energy consumption and carbon emissions1. These systems are complex, and decarbonisation will require companies to collaborate on: collecting and sharing data, implementing and adopting solutions and access to funding.

Mobility touches us all, and whilst it is hard to decarbonise, it is not impossible. With the aid of advanced technology, we can achieve the needed collaboration and fusion of data across supply chains. Once achieved, new business models can be implemented and generate new values of monetary and planetary - to each and every one of the stakeholders involved.

1. Global Logistics Emissions Council (2019). “Global Logistics Emissions Council Framework for Logistics Emissions Accounting and Reporting v2.0”. GLEC

2. The problem - Why is it challenging to decarbonise transportation?

The challenge with decarbonising road transportation is that a shift needs to occur whereby fleets not only pursue operational efficiency, but also pursue emissions efficiency. And not only that, but they need to ensure their transition to net-zero is viable. Companies need to be able to measure a fleet’s existing emissions, before understanding how to reduce these. Then they need to consider how reduction initiatives will be funded, especially when there are multiple beneficiaries in place.

Many fleets have no visibility over their carbon emissions, let alone their emission hotspots. Current methods used to calculate carbon footprints can be very rudimentary, and therefore inaccurate such as making use of ‘spend data’ gathered from bills and invoices, along with default emission factors created from high-level industry averages and external data sets. These methods provide a simple average and reference point but are insufficient to make any meaningful improvements. In order to execute a reduction policy, organisations must obtain insights of much higher accuracy. The use of primary usage data and intelligent simula-

tions are essential for supporting the execution of reduction initiatives.

Companies already have access to primary data from across a variety of siloes such as mobility data, organisational data, external pollution and energy data. The challenge lies in blending these very different data sets in addition to many others across their entire supply chain, periodically and in an automated way to generate meaningful insights that organisations need to guide their sustainability efforts.

Consider a retailer who has packed the truck, and a fleet manager who has plotted the route. One knows the weight of each load but does not keep track of how far it goes, or what type of fuel the vehicle uses, or how much it has used. The other knows the distance of their routes, their demand, and what is being spent on fuel, but doesn’t know the details of each load. In reality, both should be in constant communication with each other in order to obtain the current emission status of the fleet. To reduce emissions by electrifying the fleet means this combined data is essential. Assessing the electrification of a fleet requires taking addi-

tional factors into account, such as the potential need to invest in charging infrastructure or improving the grid capacity. Manually simulating emissions reductions and cost from such initiatives can be complex, time consuming and inaccurate.

Moreso, funding such reduction projects require additional assessment of local, national and international regulations, to also understand what government assistance exists (e.g. regulations, tax breaks, or carbon credits). These can be difficult to understand, collate and apply to the project correctly. And, when multiple beneficiaries are involved, deciding on the optimal way to finance a project between them can become quite complex.

3. The Solution – introducing on-going visibility via data fusion

“It is no secret that there are large gaps in sustainable mobility surrounding observability of emissions and funding requirements. At ‘Clearly’ we know what companies need to identify, price and fund carbon reduction projects. Harnessing Big Data and Artificial Intelligence ‘Clearly’ is the first of its kind to offer trip-level tracking. This means we can accurately simulate and quantify emission

reductions to optimally select reduction projects, understand their true cost by pricing grants, tax rebates and carbon credits, and facilitate collaborative financing.”- Danielle Walsh,

CEO.

4. Ending Remarks

Decarbonising mobility is a widely recognised global challenge for humanity. There is an increasing expectation of companies to become leaders in sustainability, the importance of which cannot be underestimated. Consumers highly associate matters of sustainability with brands, which can significantly influence decisions around purchasing from partnering with specific companies. This has already led to many companies taking their first steps towards Net-Zero by announcing carbon reduction targets set in line with frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative (e.g. aiming to be Net-Zero by 2030).

‘Clearly’ is a data-led mobility emissions platform, offering net-zero solutions for road transportation decarbonisation and access to sustainability-linked finance for retailers and logistics providers. 

WHEN FICTION BECOMES REALITY.

HELLA – THE ELECTRONICS EXPERT FOR INTELLIGENT DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS.

The Blue.on filter concept: Less waste thanks to long-life components

The Hengst Blue.on system consists of three components: housing, filter element and valve adapter. During servicing only the filter element has to be replaced – the other components are long-life parts. During replacement the oil in the filter can be collected via the drain plug and disposed of separately from the filter element. The system can be used for passenger cars, utility vehicles, farming and construction machinery and marine applications and generates 92 % less waste than conventional spin-on filters.

The benefits at a glance:

100 % recyclable filter element

50 % weight advantage compared to spin-on filters

Can be applied on all popular engine interfaces

Choice of different filter media

Components made of recycled plastic

Filter unit with customizable coding prevents the use of unsuitable or unsafe filter elements

LET’S EMBRACE THE CHANGE

HOW TO KEEP OUR CUSTOMERS MOBILE IN THE YEARS AHEAD?

The Automotive Aftermarket has, over many years, worked hard to provide its customers with quality parts and ensure a swift delivery of them.

The Customers’ needs are evolving and the new 20’s are bringing many more challenges for both customers to face, as well as the companies that are distributing parts across the world.

Now, it is no longer only a case of providing good parts, in due time, at a convenient price. New trends are more than ever linked to how the industry can support the customers mobility, thanks to tailor-made services.

The impacts of this on the workshops has been a strong evolution of the CUSTOMER PORTFOLIO REPARTITION. The usual Private motorists and Fleet Managers (for private or corporate

EMBRACE

CUSTOMERS MOBILE.

LET’S

THE CHANGES AHEAD, BE AGILE AND COLLECTIVELY KEEP OUR

The Automotive Aftersales market megatrends are divided into 2 MAIN CATEGORIES with 2 TOPICS for each*.

SUSTAINABLITY

ELECTRIFICATION

The EV market share should go up to 57 % by 2030 instead of 4,4 % in 2020, pushed-up by oil peak, climate change, regulation, incentives and technologies.

CARE SHARING

The customers’ demand, incentives, cost effectiveness could drive the market share to 38% in 2030, instead of 4,4 % in 2020

DIGITALIZATION

CONNECTIVITY

The global revenue generated by connected services could reach $420 bn in 2030, instead of $67 bn in 2020.

AUTONOMOUS DRIVE

No longer science-fiction, autonomous vehicles could reach 4.5 % due to customer demand and almost ready technologies leading to new customers’ needs.

vehicles) are no longer the only ones - the garages have to deal with insurers, OEM (new VMs) and other forces impacting on the market and the decision making.

The NEW VEHICLE TYPES AND SYSTEMS are impacting considerably on the daily activity of the workshops. The EV battery, ADAS, embed software… all these new topics are impacting on the knowledge & skills that every mechanic needs to master.

Customers are also looking for NEW DIGITAL TOUCHPOINTS (online and offline) and the market needs to ensure that a proper integration is made into to the drivers’ eco-system.

Parts distribution can lead these changes by offering their customers new products, concepts and services.

Nexus garage Network concepts can help and support the adaptation of the workshops to meet the evolving market needs.

Many topics covered by the N! Service offer can help create a new history within our industry. This includes: connected warehouses, new delivery models (for example EV, autonomous), a strong Workshop operating platform, an online training experience with N!Academy Cloud, and an Online Presence Management tool. 

For more information about N! Services, drop us an email @ service@nexusautomotive.eu.

*Study from IAC Partners

» HIGH-QUALITY HYDRAULIC FILTERS FROM HERTH+BUSS

Herth+Buss on YouTube Technical expertise and practical tips

Available in various designs!

The range of filters used in automobiles is diverse. In our Jakoparts range we offer a wide range of filters for Asian vehicle models. In excellent quality and with a perfect fit!

Not all filters are the same. Durability, efficiency and an exact fit are the guarantees for long-lasting filter functions. Added to this are proven, high-quality materials such as special filter paper and corrosion-treated metals. The Jakoparts range includes a wide spectrum of oil, fuel, air and cabin filters for Asian vehicles and has now also been extended to include hydraulic filters.

A hydraulic filter, also called a transmission oil filter, is needed in every hydraulic system. The task of the hydraulic filter is to clean the oil that is needed to operate the vehicle‘s hydraulic components. To achieve this, the fluid is passed through the filter and the filter element separates all particles above a defined size. Without the use of the hydraulic filter, the particles would collect in certain places and could lead to malfunctions. The filter only has a limited service life and must therefore be replaced at regular intervals. Every car manufacturer specifies how often a hydraulic filter should be changed. This information should be strictly adhered to in order to prevent damage.

With our new range of hydraulic filters, we offer the right spare part for different vehicles with automatic transmissions! Furthermore, our filters meet the highest quality requirements. They filter abrasion from the transmission oil and protect against wear. The filters are available in the following three different versions: filter insert, sieve filter or screw-on filter. At the moment we offer more than 30 hydraulic filters. The range is continuously being expanded.

Hydraulic filter, automatic transmission Article number: J135*

Even the best experts in the workshop sometimes reach their limits. This is where our YouTube channel comes into play. With our tutorials and BuddyTalks, we not only pass on our knowledge to workshops, but also to specialist retailers or amateur mechanics. With the help of the Workshop-Buddies and our technicians, we have extensive expertise in vehicle parts and vehicle electrics. Of course, there are also useful tips and tricks for the workshop. herthundbuss.com/

Break through to the future of mobility

The automotive and motorcycle industries are currently facing a once-in-a-century transformation, and mobility solutions are required that reduce environmental damage, decrease traffic accidents, and improve comfort. At the same time, competition is intensifying in fields such as electrification, autonomous driving, and connectivity, which will form the future core of automotive and motorcycle systems.

As a result of this, Hitachi Astemo with it`s TOKICO suspension brand is dedicated in providing cutting edge technologies. Shock absorbers and struts are an important part of the overall suspension and steering system. With increasing weight of the vehicles such as in new Electric Vehicles (EV) the suspension systems are gaining importance for the right body weight management of the vehicle. A prime example are our solutions for semiactive and active suspension, for which Hitachi Astemo has already been awarded several OE Projects for EV´s, thus proving that Hitachi Astemo is one of the global leaders for EV components.

Hitachi Astemo with its Tokico and Showa suspension brands is one of the leading manufacturers for passenger cars and motorcycle suspension. Respectively Hitachi Astemo and it`s Tokico brand is dedicated to supply the same OE quality to the Independent Automotive Aftermarket. Tokico supplies over 1.000 part numbers for Japanese vehicles and covers over 2.800 different vehicles models. Our goal is to develop and provide a full product coverage for Asian vehicles including Korean applications. Tokico shock absorbers restore OE damping forces ensuring consistent tire/road contact and a safe handling of the vehicle, which results in Improved driving dynamics and increased control for body and tire movement.

Hitachi Astemo a global leader for suspension systems

OE shock absorbers on 1 out of 5 new cars are manufactured by Hitachi Astemo.

13 shock absorber factories in 7 different countries.

AFRICA IS NO EXCEPTION

MARTIN HENDRIKSEN Strategic Planning & Customer Experience Director, NEXUS Automotive International

DIGITALIZATION, ELECTRIFICATION, SUSTAINABILITY, CONSOLIDATION IN AFRICA

The automotive aftermarket industry in Africa does not escape change driven by trends in digitalization, electrification, sustainability, and consolidation.

These trends will also help shape the future of the industry, affecting both consumers and businesses in Africa. How will these trends play out in the region, considering factors such as GDP growth, exchange rate fluctuations, and the difficulty of securing foreign currency? How quickly will the Chinese electric vehicle industry have an impact in Africa and what about education and training as drivers of economic growth?

Digitalization is transforming the automotive aftermarket industry globally, and Africa is no exception. With more vehicles equipped with advanced technologies, the demand for skilled technicians and mechanics has risen, leading to a

shortage of qualified personnel. Digital tools and platforms are being developed to help bridge this gap, enabling technicians to diagnose and repair complex vehicles with greater speed and accuracy. In Africa, markets lag their Western counterparts with the skills shortage being one of the major stumbling blocks.

Sustainability is also a trend that is gaining traction in the automotive aftermarket industry. With growing concerns about climate change and the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, there is an increasing demand for greener and more sustainable vehicles. In response, automotive manufacturers are investing in developing and

AFRICA IS NO EXCEPTION

marketing more sustainable vehicles, and businesses in the aftermarket industry are following suit. Sustainability is not the first priority in many African situations and global players have a leadership role in this respect. In terms of energy however, some African markets face electricity shortages due to the failure of traditional generation methods. It is expected the private sector will become more involved in the generation of electricity and much of the new power will be generated in a more sustainable way as a result.

Electrification is another trend that is shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket industry. As electric vehicles gain popularity, there is a growing need for charging infrastructure and repair and maintenance services. However, many African countries are struggling to keep up with the pace of change, and there is a shortage of trained technicians who are capable of servicing these vehicles. In Ethiopia for example, the latest technology vehicles are available but there are no people qualified enough to service and repair them and parts are in short supply. Some owners fly in the necessary skills and parts, whilst others ship their vehicles overseas for the necessary service and repair work to be done. This highlights again the need for education and training in this field to support the growth of electric vehicles in Africa.

It is most likely that Chinese manufacturers will lead the electrification game in Africa with lowcost models. Potentially one could see a growing

electric fleet in Africa powered by sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Consolidation is another trend that is shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket industry in Africa. With the market becoming increasingly competitive, businesses are seeking to merge or acquire other companies to achieve greater scale and efficiency. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years and will have a significant impact on the structure of the industry in Africa. Many African businesses in the automotive aftermarket sector are traditional family run enterprises and these families start to question their futures in a fast-changing industry.

Furthermore, the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is a trade pact signed by African countries to boost intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs on goods traded within the continent. The agreement covers a market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3 trillion and has been signed by 54 of the 55 African Union member states, with only Eritrea not yet having joined. The signatories represent a diverse group of countries in terms of size, geography, and level of development, including large economies like Nigeria and South Africa, and smaller ones like Rwanda and Senegal.

The AfCFTA officially came into force on January 1, 2021. The agreement aims to create a single market for goods and services, increase investment

flows, and enhance economic growth and development across Africa. The full implementation of the AfCFTA is an ongoing process and there is no set deadline for when it will be fully implemented. The implementation will be phased in over time, with certain sensitive sectors and products excluded initially, and tariffs gradually being eliminated. The objective is to create a fully integrated African market, which would provide a major boost to the continent’s economic growth and competitiveness.

In conclusion, the automotive aftermarket industry in Africa will undergo major changes, driven by trends in digitalization, electrification, sustainability, and consolidation. The impact of these trends will be shaped by factors such as GDP growth, exchange rate fluctuations, and the difficulty of securing foreign currency. As electric vehicles gain popularity, education and training will play a critical role in driving economic growth and ensuring that the industry is able to keep up with the pace of change. Change in big steps is no stranger to Africa, for example most Africans never had fixed line telephones but almost everyone has a mobile phone today!

Nexus will focus its African efforts through the IAMaga structure, taking cognisance of the major trends to help build better aftermarket business on the continent. 

Take part in more sustainability

Conserving resources through reuse: With its exchange program, Bosch is focusing on the circular economy. By effectively reusing the returned parts, raw materials are used sustainably. Join in and make your contribution to sustainability by value-based vehicle repairs with a Bosch eXchange part.

boschaftermarket.com

Meeting challenging trends of the automotive industry

The premium filtration brand MANN-FILTER is well prepared for future market needs such as zero-emission mobility as well as protection of vehicle occupants from air pollution and provides the solutions which its partners require.

Climate change is one of the biggest dangers facing mankind and requires urgent action. To meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, CO2 emissions from passenger car traffic – among other things – need to be significantly reduced. As global brand of MANN+HUMMEL, one of the worldwide market leaders for filtration with over 80 sites worldwide, MANN-FILTER pursues a technology-open approach to provide customers with the best filtration solutions towards zero-emission mobility. In this regard, alternative drives play a major role and e-fuels can contribute their part as well. The mobility of the future will certainly consist of a mix of different drive technologies, and liquid fuels will be required for a long time, such for passenger car fleets. Here, synthetic fuels can make an additional contribution to effective climate protection in transport. Respective solutions to meet the next filtration challenges are already an integral part of the MANN-FILTER portfolio. Already today, customers can choose from more than 1,200 filters for cars and vans with electric powertrains from MANN-FILTER.

Another big challenge is air pollution which endangers the health of people worldwide. To protect vehicle occupants MANN-FILTER offers a large portfolio of different cabin air filters. As a pioneer of the bio functional cabin air filter, they are naturally also creating further innovative products and new technologies in this area. This is the only way to meet the growing demands for protection against harmful gases and health-threatening particles such as particulate matter and effectively protect vehicle occupants.

Despite being able to offer a wide range of filtration solutions to the customers, MANN-FILTER is determined to further grow innovation skills and improve their products. To meet the challenges ahead, MANN+HUMMEL experts are developing the filters of tomorrow in the vehicles of today. After all, customers should also be able to rely in the future on: MANN-FILTER – Perfect parts. Perfect service.

MEYLE eSolutions. Your partner for repair solutions for electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles will continue to become significantly more important for independent workshops and dealers in the coming years. Current studies indicate that more than 80 million electric vehicles will be on the roads in 2035 (data includes European Commission study on well-to-wheel considerations for a variety of fuel and power-train combinations). With its MEYLE eSolutions product portfolio, MEYLE is already well positioned, with more than 1,100

electric-vehicle parts on offer. When developing the spare parts of the future, we depend on our MEYLE engineers who have been coming up with innovative solutions for more than 20 years with MEYLE HD –parts that are more durable and reliable than their OE counterparts. Always at your side, we’re your partner and DRIVER’S BEST FRIEND. Competent in all matters – including electric mobility. Just give us a call!

After Tesla drivers all over the world reported annoying squeaking sounds in Model 3 and Model Y series vehicles, our MEYLE engineers analysed the problem and are now, after intensive development work, introducing the MEYLE HD control arm for Tesla models 3 and Y. MEYLE

is thus offering a technically superior alternative to the original part to up to 700,000 Tesla drivers and stakeholders around the globe who could encounter the defect, thus ensuring the fun driving experience that people expect from Tesla. With a four-year guarantee*.

With the HD control arm for Tesla, MEYLE underscores its expertise in the field of electric mobility.

EXCITING TIMES ARE AHEAD OF US

ROBBIE STEVENS Head of Ecommerce Business Unit, NEXUS Automotive International

TECHNOLOGY, BRAND VALUE & PRICING: 4 MAJOR FACTORS ARE BECOMING SIGNIFICANT

DIGITALIZATION,

eCommerce has become a critical aspect of retail’s post-pandemic life and with Nexus creating a new eCommerce business unit to support the upcoming and ever expanding established digital community with tools and services, plenty of exciting times are ahead of us!.

In this issue of INSIDE, I will be focusing on the 4 major factors that are becoming significant:

1. Customers Buying Behaviour / Expectations:

Digitization is transforming the auto parts aftermarket in several ways. One of the most significant is the increasing use of ecommerce platforms for buying and selling parts (Amazon, eBay etc..). This allows end customers, be it the “Do It Yourself” or the “Semi-Pro” to easily find and purchase the parts they need, while also providing manufacturers and distributors with a convenient and accelerated means to reach a larger customer base.

The automotive aftermarket industry has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, thanks in large part to the rise of these ecommerce platforms. The global ecommerce automotive aftermarket is projected to reach a market size of 78 billion US dollars by 2030 *. As more and more customers turn to online channels for their automotive aftermarket needs, their expectations are also evolving, prompting traditional businesses to adapt to new trends and preferences.

Convenience is the key for the growth we see in eCommerce. By shopping online, customers can compare prices, view product/vehicle compati-

bility, and read reviews from other customers all from the comfort of their own homes. This has become especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people have been reluctant to visit physical stores. As a result, traditional businesses looked to eCommerce to maintain and grow their customer base.

In addition to convenience, customers are also demanding a more personalized and interactive online shopping experience. This means that businesses need to invest in technology that can provide customers with recommendations based on their browsing and purchasing history. Websites need to be easy to navigate and provide ample product information and visual aids like photos and videos.

Another key trend in the automotive aftermarket is the rise of DIY customers. The increasing number of DIY customers is driving the growth of the eCcommerce automotive aftermarket. These customers are looking for parts and accessories that they can install themselves or by a semi-pro friend, and they often prefer to buy these products online. To cater to this segment, there is a need to provide detailed fitting guides and videos, as well as more technical customer support to help answer any questions that may arise.

2. Technology:

Technology is playing a significant role in enabling the growth of aftermarket automotive ecommerce, making it easier and more convenient for customers to shop for car parts and accessories online. Some ways in which technology has enabled aftermarket automotive ecommerce include:

Omnichannel Software: Many eCommerce plat-

forms have made it easier to list and sell their products online. Omnichannel software provides a ‘middleware’ solution that enables you to ‘plug into’ multiple platforms such Shopify, eBay, Amazon, Walmart with one connection and a centralized management interface.

Search and Navigation: Automotive ecommerce sites use bespoke search and navigation tools that enable customers to quickly and easily find the products they need. Advanced search features allow customers to search by make, model, year, and part number. Navigation tools like menus and filters help customers narrow down their search results by category, price, and brand.

Mobile Optimisation: With the increasing popularity of mobile devices and with the majority of first user visitors coming via mobile, many aftermarket automotive eCcommerce sites have optimized their websites for mobile devices. This allows customers to shop for parts and accessories from anywhere, at any time, using their mobile devices. Augmented Reality: With the help of augmented reality (AR) technology, customers can visualize how a product will look on their vehicle before making a purchase. For example, AR technology can allow customers to see how a new set of wheels or a body kit will look on their car by overlaying digital images on top of real-world images captured by their mobile device’s camera.AR was the future but it is now the present day expectation from the end customer.

Analytics and Personalisation: Many aftermarket automotive ecommerce sites use analytics and personalisation tools to track customer behaviour and make personalized product recommendati-

ons. These tools can help better understand your customers’ needs and preferences, as well as identify opportunities to upsell or cross-sell related products.

3. Brand Value

eCommerce has become an increasingly competitive space in which building brand value is crucial for success.

Creating a strong brand identity helps differentiate yourself from competitors, attract customers, and foster customer loyalty. eCommerce can be a powerful tool for building brand value, as it offers a range of opportunities to connect with customers:

Wider audience: eCommerce allows you to reach customers beyond their geographic location, expanding your audience and increasing your brand exposure. Marketplaces have become a crucial component in the automotive aftermarket industry’s strategy for reaching potential customers at scale. Marketplaces can be a valuable tool for testing territories as they allow you to reach a large audience with minimal investment.

Products range: eCommerce can enable you to offer a wider range of products, exclusive web product ranges, private label etc..… enhancing the perceived value of the original brand and meeting a broader range of customer needs. Personalized experiences: eCommerce often uses customer data to offer personalized experiences, such as personalized recommendations and targeted marketing, which can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Customer service: Providing excellent customer service, such as fast shipping, easy returns, and

responsive customer support, which can build trust and increase brand value.

Foster customer engagement: Websites can offer opportunities for customer engagement, such as social media integration and user-generated content, which can create a sense of community and increase brand loyalty.

4. Pricing

Pricing is a critical factor in the success of an eCommerce business. There are a number of strategies to consider when using pricing in eCommerce: competitor analysis, dynamic pricing, price anchoring, personalized pricing and lastly loyalty programs. When transitioning from traditional B2B only business to B2C / B2C eCommerce pricing is of the most sensitive topics along with the most powerful. Looking outside of the automotive world, you can see from brand leaders such as Nike, Adidias etc..…with a solid pricing model there is plenty of room for the manufacturer, wholesaler, reseller, traditional stores and DtC eCommerce players all to be successful.

Overall, pricing is a critical aspect of eCommerce, and needs to be continually evaluated and adjusted to remain competitive and profitable. Nexus’ community, with the power of Nexus’ global footprint, is in a great position to take advantage of this ever-changing business landscape and be the pioneers of the ecommerce automotive aftermarket. Nexus eCommerce will be centralizing the knowledge, skills, experience, entrepreneurial spirit, tools and services which will enable the Nexus community to embrace this eCommerce Tsunami and take full advantage of this exciting opportunity. 

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/automotive-e-commerce-market-to-reach-176-24-bn-globally-by-2030-at-17-5cagr-allied-market-research-301616978.html

Make the world a pioneering* road to drive

Our idea of innovation

We are reducing our environmental impact, optimising the performance and service life of our products, digitalising our operations and developing our service offerings. Confronting today’s changes and tomorrow’s challenges, we are fully committed to research and development aimed at achieving smoother, more efficient, more sustainable mobility.

* At NTN, we strive to create a more innovative driving experience.

MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER ROAD TO DRIVE

CHRISTOPHE IDELON Vice President Automotive Aftermarket, NTN Europe

NTN INNOVATION ADDRESSES YOUR CHALLENGES

Urbanisation, population growth, climate change and the depletion of the Earth’s resources has led to changes in the economic and industrial fabric of society. In this context, NTN is your trusted partner when it comes to research and innovation. You can rely on our R&D Centres, our passion, our ability to listen and the expertise of our teams.

The challenges of tomorrow

NTN is motivated to solve all these issues and integrate them into the foundations of its innovative approach to the Industrial, Automotive and Aerospace markets.

For the Automotive Market, the main challenges and trends are:

• Reduction of CO² emissions and pollution

• Diversifying and improving urban transport

• Development of autonomous cars and car sharing

• Development of electric vehicles and equipment

For Industrial and Aerospace markets, the stakes are just as ambitious:

• To reduce operating costs for industrial operators (wind energy, rail, steel, mines and industrial equipment) and the exploitation of new energy sources

• Further improve the already high reliability achieved in the aerospace sector

Our innovative R&D Center

The NTN Research and Development center includes:

• our applied research and development teams work on mechanical, mechatronic, materials and process engineering

• our exclusive calculation methods (software developed from our own knowledge and finite element simulation models), studying the behavior of complex mechanical systems, thermal behavior, forging processes, crimping, heat treatment, magnetic field and more!

• our independent prototype workshop, our test center, our laboratories (metallurgy, chemistry, metrology, mechatronics) testing new products in real-life conditions

NTN also innovates in collaboration with our partners including: technical centers, universities, trade associations, technology hubs and clusters. Last, but not least, NTN R&D in Europe employs 400 people, with nearly 50 patents filed - the 28th filed with ’INPI’. 

FOCUS ON AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET

“NTN Group continues to pursue its strategy of innovation in mobility markets such as bicycles and electric and self-driving vehicles, and has aligned itself with sustainable development policies, exercising particular care in the selection of materials. NTN has focused on the aftermarket as its core strategy, which features ambitious projects, notably in line with the electrification transition and new forms of mobility that will give rise to new product ranges and services. To support decarbonization, for example, we are working to develop a line of products based on the circular economy.”

Christophe Idelon, Vice President Automotive Aftermarket NTN Europe

VEHICLE ELECTRONICS AT THEIR BEST

THE MAXIMUM IN MARKET COVERAGE AND QUALITY

Already the world’s leading sensor specialist, NTK Vehicle Electronics is continuing to expand its comprehensive Aftermarket portfolio, providing a top-quality solution for almost every vehicle sensor need.

NTK’s impressive vehicle electronics range includes 615 oxygen sensors. Renowned for their excellent engineering and high quality, NTK offers the complete range of oxygen sensors: Zirconium Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide and Broad/Wideband/Linear sensors. And with 562 part numbers, NTK provides an impressive 78% EMEA car parc coverage for engine speed and position sensors (crankshaft and camshaft sensors), more than any other premium brand on the market.

Mass Air Flow (MAF) and Manifold Absolute/Boost Pressure (MAP) sensors are essential for optimised engine operation. With more than 377 MAF and MAP part numbers available, NTK provides an EMEA car parc coverage of 62%.

Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) sensors are well established OE and Aftermarket products. In 2022 NGK SPARK PLUG expanded NTK’s range of Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors (EGTS) to also include Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) sensors.

The past year also saw the introduction of NTK Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valves. These valves have been very well received. Currently, there are 100 part numbers on the market with more scheduled to come in the next few months.

NTK Vehicle Electronics is fully committed to excellence in engineering and production. And with their already broad and still growing market coverage, the company offers a reliable solution for most Aftermarket sensor needs.

CLIMATE COMFORT SYSTEM

EXPERIENCE THE REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE AC BUSINESS

Explore our comprehensive climate system parts program designed to enhance your spare parts distribution business.

THE DIFFERENCE

ENHANCING YOUR SPARE PARTS BUSINESS

With Nissens’ climate parts offering, you can be fully prepared to serve your customers in the busy AC season. The program comprises of 3600+ part numbers and offers exceptionally high car parc coverage.

As a dedicated aftermarket manufacturer and climate system specialist, we offer cost-optimizing and efficient business solutions to support your daily operation and facilitate growth.

NISSENS’ CLIMATE PARTS

Widely covering, competitive product range

COMPETITIVE RANGE > competitive distribution in your local market DATA QUALITY > product management ease and exact parts mapping

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EXCELLENT PACKAGING > reduced transport damages

PREMIUM QUALITY PRODUCTS > satisfied customers, reduced claims

AFTER-SALES SUPPORT > sell-out promotions & tech support

+3600

+93%

+150

SKU numbers in the range, 15k OE numbers covered

Car parc coverage by Nissens’ condenser

New part models since last summer

YOUR NEW ENERGY VEHICLE SPARE PARTS PARTNER

+450 AC part numbers for hybrid & electric car models

NEW TO RANGE

High-voltage

AC Compressors

Tesla Model 3, Kia Niro Hyundai Ioniq, & more

AC System

Pressure Sensors

+40 models

160 OE numbers covered

Nissens’

and successful system service.

EXCELLENT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

EASY & SAFE INSTALLATION (FIRST-FIT)

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TECHNICAL SUPPORT & TRAINING

offering supports AC technicians in performing efficient, safe,

THE FUTURE WINNERS OF THE IAM

BARRY NEAL, Senior Partner Roland Berger

NEURY FREITAS, Partner Roland Berger

THE PREMATURE DEATH KNELL OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Understanding the automotive industries shift to electric vehicles and how independent aftermarket companies should prepare to remain profitable.

Five years ago, electric vehicles (EVs) were forecast to account for ~3% of new light-vehicle (LV) sales in the U.S by 2023. Hindsight is 20/20 and has proven these forecasts to be far too conservative as EVs made up ~6% of U.S. sales in 2022, buoyed by strong consumer demand, renewed EV tax credits, and constrained sales of vehicles overall. Traditional light vehicle OEMs have announced expanded EV product offerings while new (EV only) OEMs continue entering the market. Recent forecasts from IHS estimate the pace of change to continue accelerating with EVs accounting for ~39% of new vehicle sales by the end of the decade.

Will these forecasts prove to be too conservative as well?

Only time will tell, but the shift to EVs is not without challenges. Many of the raw materials used to manufacture battery cells (Lithium, Cobalt, and Manganese to name a few) are becoming increasingly expensive due to rising demand. Key mineral deposits are commonly located in developing countries where mining practices raise environmental and human rights concerns. Global supply chains are still recovering from the onset of COVID-19, while geopolitical risks and protectionism are creating new disruptions. Significant investment is required in the U.S. to expand

electricity distribution to meet the future energy demands needed to power electrified transportation. I could go on and on…

Despite these challenges, Roland Berger forecasts that EVs will increasingly penetrate the U.S. car parc and account for ~12% of all vehicles on the road in the U.S. in 2030, ~25% in 2035.

However, even with millions of EVs on the road, the near-term impact on players in the independent automotive aftermarket (IAM) will be muted. It will take time for electric vehicles to make up

a significant share of the older vehicles that are commonly served by the IAM. Even though new vehicle sales may be 30%+ by the turn of the decade, the share of vehicles that are 8+ years old and electric will be much lower. As you know, the IAM’s primary segment are these older vehicles.

Our most recent analysis finds that in 2035 only 3% of LVs that are 12+ years old will be EVs and 21% of vehicles 8-11 years old. In total these “old” EVs will only account for ~5% of vehicles on the road in the U.S (2035).

Source: IHS, Roland Berger

Source IHS, Roland Berger

US car parc by vehicle age and propulsion type, base case,

2021-2035 [m vehicles]

This gives you the time you need to prepare! IAM players will be tested to see how well they can adapt, as the long-term forecast is cloudy. New and more complex systems may reduce the share of the market served by the IAM. Consumer spending on vehicle repair will decrease as EVs have fewer mechanical parts requiring repair. In fact, we have studied the impact of electrification on hundreds of components and conclude that each EVs will only require 60-65% of the spend of a comparable ICE vehicle – this considers that the batteries will last for the life of the vehicles. That is not to say that all components will be affected equally though.

Some traditional service offerings will benefit from EVs. Tire replacement will benefit from the shift to EVs as the instant torque and increased weight from the batteries cause tires to wear faster. Suspension is another category to benefit, as EVs are equipped with more expensive components to manage the increased weight.

Other traditional service offerings are at significant risk as markets will continue to shrink across many categories, one example being brakes. Kinetic energy is transformed into electricity by the electric systems as vehicles slow down, resulting in far slower wear on EV brakes. Other components such as spark plugs, engine air filters, fuel pumps, and oxygen sensors are eliminated from an EV entirely.

The future winners of the IAM will be the companies who prepare in advance!

This does not necessarily mean that an EV-centric strategy is the right decision for every supplier.

In fact, many companies are making the strategic decision to do the exact opposite. Here is an overview of the three strategies that we see in the market today.

Going all-in on EVs: Some suppliers, especially larger and more technologically advanced ones, are ditching their legacy product lines and going all-in on EV products. These companies have been aggressively divesting their profitable ICE portfolios and investing heavily in R&D required to develop new EV-focused solutions.

Riding the ICE train into the sunset: While EVs are the future, ICE vehicles will continue to be produced for quite some time and will still constitute the majority of the parc for the next 25+ years. There is clearly still a lot of money to be made in producing components and systems for ICE vehicles. The past few years have seen aggressive consolidation of ICE products into large, comprehensive portfolios. PE firms have been particularly interested in pursuing this strategy. The recent increase in interest rates has made this strategy even more attractive as near-term cash flows are considerably more valuable than cash flows a few years down the road.

Playing both sides: Others are choosing to straddle the ICE and EV worlds. For these suppliers, ICE products are the ‘cash-cows’ that support their still-unprofitable EV projects. While on the surface this seems to be a reasonable strategy, we believe that many suppliers will struggle to succeed in “playing both sides”. The EV landscape is highly competitive and not all suppliers will make it. It is critical to be focused and dedicated to eventually

be among the winners in this space. Similarly, the consolidation in legacy ICE products means that those without the necessary scale could find it difficult to compete.

So, what should you be doing?

We suggest to our clients that they start by understanding their Business Essence to identify their transferrable core competencies. It is critical for businesses to honestly evaluate their engineering and business competencies to understand how they can best adapt, as mis-identifying an opportunity and putting energy into the wrong areas can be a fatal mistake.

The next step is to take these core competencies and identify products and markets where these

skills give your company a right to play. A comprehensive analysis will reveal the competitive dynamics of these identified opportunities and help executives position their firm in a way to harness the massive opportunities in front of them and ultimately commit to a profitable long-term strategy. 

For more information on our Business Essence framework, or the MADE trends (Mobility, Autonomous, Digitalization, Electrification) and their impact on the automotive aftermarket, please visit www.RolandBerger.com

Source: Roland Berger

NRF FOCUSES ON EV DEVELOPMENT WITH A FAST GROWING EV RANGE AND DEDICATED TRAININGS

NRF is ready for the future! NRF offers the largest and fastest growing aftermarket cooling range for hybrid (HEV or PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV). Besides the extended offer, NRF is also developing dedicated EV trainings. NRF even has a Tesla training vehicle.

COOLING THE BATTERY AND POWER ELECTRONICS

In an electric vehicle the cooling system remains an integral part of the powertrain. To provide optimum performance, the batteries and power electronics need to be maintained within a specific temperature range. The cooling system thus retains its recognizable layout with the radiator as a main component. The coolant is circulated by an electric pump to ensure the powertrain electronics are operating safely and with the highest efficiency in all environmental conditions.

TESLA SHOW CAR #nrforangelighting

Buying a Tesla and wrap it in orange? NRF did it! The orange Tesla Model S is used to exchange and test NRF parts versus the original parts. Furthermore, the car is used as a show car at international exhibitions and events. It gives people the chance to have a closer look at the part of this vehicle.

DEDICATED EV TRAININGS

A/C SYSTEM IN ELECTRIC CARS

As with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EV’s also have HVAC (heating, ventilation & air-conditioning) for the passenger cabin. In ICE vehicles the engine provides the power for the HVAC via a compressor on the engine itself. In an electric vehicle the power is provided by an electric motor/ compressor. A poorly functioning HVAC will increase power consumption and reduce the vehicle range, so keeping these systems properly maintained is vital, NRF is in prime position to help its customers with this.

THE LARGEST AFTERMARKET RANGE OF ELECTRIC AND HYBRID COOLING PARTS

In line with the increasing proliferation of electric vehicles

NRF is constantly adding new parts to its range. Included in the range already are a Tesla Model 3 condenser (NRF no. 350517) and a Tesla Model Y cooling fan (NRF no. 470078). Check the NRF webshop to find out what other parts are available.

NRF has a team of technical specialists providing training on demand. Yearly these trainers provide more than 650 technical trainings across Europe. Next to the trainings on location, NRF also offer online training sessions. During the dedicated EV training courses, mechanics gain the necessary knowledge to work on these vehicles. Topics include safety regulations, battery (dis)connection procedures, HVAC maintenance and much more. Very interesting!

MEET BENJAMIN MEEK DIRECTOR E-MOBILITY AT NRF

NRF has recently announced the launch of a dedicated EV development team, headed by Benjamin (Ben) Meek. Ben jamin is in charge of guiding the R&D, product development and marketing teams to ensure NRF has the right focus regarding the development and quality level of the entire EV range.

An example of an aftermarket radiator for an electric vehicle is this radiator for a Tesla Model S. (NRF no. 58790)

Benjamin Meek, Director E-mobility at NRF

NRF’s Tesla Model 3 aftermarket condenser (NRF no. 350517)

FROM

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TO CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

JENS SCHÜLER, CEO Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket

FINDING THE RIGHT KIT FOR DIGITALIZATION IN THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET

Mr. Schüler, digitalization has become one of the core trends within the automotive aftermarket. From your perspective, how does the digital transformation affect the industry?

Digitalization opens up new possibilities and new growth opportunities for the automotive aftermarket and is therefore a central part of Schaeffler’s business strategy. Digitalization is a very broad field – it ranges from automation to connectivity, from better insights to upgraded customer convenience and partially new business cases. We want to become fully digitalized in many of those men-

tioned areas with a forward-looking product and service portfolio - by the end of the decade latest. We aim to tackle these new developments with our “Digital Transformation” initiative – digitalization drives our organization towards a more endto-end mindset and teaches us a different speed in terms of implementation. At its core, the initiative is about improving customer experience and developing new software and data-based business solutions alongside our core business.

What are Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket’s concrete milestones concerning the digitalization of its offerings?

Digital transformation gives us the opportunity to expand our service portfolio and to develop our business jointly with our customers and business partners. Breaking new digital ground allows us to respond to customers’ changing needs and behaviours in a more flexible and agile way. With our “connectivity” approach, we aim to go beyond the bare supply of products but rather think our services and processes extend from product development through to customer experience. Our digital end-to-end approach will be a significant differentiating factor for Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket as a premium partner in the future. We have already implemented a number of digital integrated services. With our Aftermarket Cloud, we created a central platform for our clients, comprising all our online activities; and offers our clients integrated digital services. We developed data-driven analytic tools and software services to optimize our own processes and to improve our customers’ experience, for example through the digitalization of our technical service offering around our REPXPERT brand. The expansion and development of

our digital marketing activities has further contributed to our effectiveness and growth.

What are the challenges the automotive aftermarket is currently facing in the context of digitalization?

Free access to data is crucial for promoting digitalization in the automotive aftermarket. Currently, the industry still lacks a consistent platform with equal data access for all stakeholders. On the one hand, there is no defined regulation regarding access rights, format, and infrastructure of data access within the mobility sector. On the other hand, every company has its own requirements regarding the quality of data, which leads to a very fragmented data landscape.

In order to tackle these challenges, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket is part of the CARUSO digital data marketplace. As a central platform for the independent aftermarket, CARUSO provides standardized vehicle data and thus connects data suppliers with users. Increasing data availability and enhancing our digital offering are top priorities for Schaeffler. We continue to be a strong and reliable partner for distributors and garages.

What does digitalization mean for Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket’s daily business?

For us at Schaeffler, digital transformation means a long-term cultural shift towards a “digital mindset” which has become an essential part of our employees’ daily business. We further seek to implement new forms of cross-functional, process-oriented collaborations beyond traditional organizational structures, offer trainings and personal development initiatives and establish an innovation and development driven corporate culture.

SPECTRUM OF SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY INNOVATION

MARCO BEVILACQUA, Co-Founder & Executive Officer Reefilla

ALEX KOSYAKOV, CEO Natrion

SPARKER

&

NOVAZURE: ACCELERATING THE GREEN ‘MOBILITY’ REVOLUTION

The latest Sparker Pitch Day event, co-hosted with NovAzure, was held on February 9, 2023 and featured 6 startups representing the spectrum of sustainable mobility innovation.

The online interactive event was moderated by our own Kazuna Yamamoto and NovAzure’s Managing Director Chris Gruen, who both worked to ensure that the most “upvoted” questions were answered immediately; whilst the rest were addressed post-event. This enabled our own Rita Saliba to ensure that the event, which she organized, unfolded with the precision of a Swiss watch.

In keeping with the theme of Major Trends in the industry for this issue of N! INSIDE, we have selected 2 startups – Reefilla & Natrion - to highlight from the Pitch day.

These two disruptors are great examples of the two poles of disruptive Innovation and Invention.

Reefilla

According to McKinsey & Company, charging issues are the top barrier for electric vehicle adoption in the United States1. This is led by slow charging speeds, charger inaccessibility, cost of chargers, and charging variance by vehicles. EV charging infrastructure, often referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is a set of power electronics that safely supply regulated power from the grid or a renewable source of energy to vehicle’s batteries.

As Marco, Co-Founder & Executive Officer of Reefilla explained during his powerful pitch: “You don’t have to look for a charging station anymore.

1. Source: https://www.exro.com/industry-insights/barriers-to-electric-vehicle-adoption-in-2022

Reefilla is the first mobile and predictive charging delivery service for users of electric vehicles (EVs) and operators in the mobility business. It allows you to have your EV charged where and when you want, without breaking your routine.”

Find out more @: https://www.reefilla.com/en

Natrion

Why Don’t EVs Already Use Solid State Batteries? Solid state batteries already exist, but just in much smaller devices like smartwatches, pacemakers, and RFID tags. The barrier to using them in EVs is primarily that they’re expensive and difficult to produce in a larger size at scale. With battery-powered vehicles already more expensive than gas-powered ones; consumers have little appetite for even pricier vehicles. Longevity is another issue2

Alex, the CEO of Natrion, took everyone on a journey highlighting fire safety risk faced with current

EV batteries due to the use of highly volatile and flammable liquids.

Today Natrion are in the pursuit of an all-solid-state battery platform technology for electric mobility. Natrion develops components for automotive and battery manufacturers that can be rapidly utilized to deploy safe, high-performance all-solid-state rechargeable batteries. These batteries eliminate liquid-state components to improve electric vehicle fire safety, driving range, charge time, and overall lifespan. 

Find out more @: https://www.natrion.co/ solutions/#commercial

If you would like to request to see all 6 pitches, or know more about Sparker and upcoming events, please contact Rita Saliba by email: r.saliba@sparker-hub.com

2. Source: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-solid-state-battery-for-electric-vehicles

ROBERT ROOS , President of The ProntoNetwork, APSG and President of

NEXUS North America

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SOME OF THE MEGATRENDS IN OUR INDUSTRY?

Global is local

Although our ProntoNetwork distributor members compete in the North American market, the reality is that for an educated purchaser of automotive replacement parts, the internet has created an opportunity for buyers (repair facilities or DIY consumers) to shop for parts anywhere in the world to find the parts that fit their needs. So, it’s important for our APSG organization to keep our Members

SUSTAINABILITY IS A PART OF OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

informed and in a competitive position – by knowing the Global Supplier base, the type of quality and brand options that are available, at what cost are they selling it at and is it readily available to our local market. Our goal to is put our distributors in a position to compete in their local markets and minimize the penetration of others from outside of our market. Having a relationship with NEXUS Automotive, our global ITG partner, has improved our ability to keep our distributors informed and competitive.

The evolution of vehicle technology to ADAS and EV’s

Our industry has gone through many transformations over the last 50 years. However, advanced electronic repairs on a vehicle are closing in on the classic foundational engine or brake and chassis replacements at a faster and faster pace. What I take comfort in is that our aftermarket industry looks beyond the challenges that this is causing and sees the opportunities that this is creating for our independent and service chain repair customers. Continuing to push for the highest level of training and education will be extremely important for distributors and service providers. We appreciate the support from our local partner, The Group Training Academy, NEXUS Academy, our global partner, and our Supplier Partners in developing and producing the latest training materials to support the education of our team members and the techni-

cian community. We believe that these continued actions will provide ongoing business opportunities for the independent aftermarket – allowing consumers to not only have a choice of where to repair their vehicle, but in also knowing that the job will be done right the first time.

Sustainability is a part of our everyday life

I believe it’s irresponsible of any industry to ignore opportunities to increase awareness on the importance of Sustainability – not just because it has become a political weapon in some instances, but instead because it’s the right thing to do. The Automotive Aftermarket, in some regards has been leading the way. For example, using remanufactured replacement parts has been a way of life for automotive distributors and repair facilities for many years. Now, that’s not going to be the answer for all replacement parts, however, this higher level of responsibility in this area, is forcing manufacturers of new parts to think hard about what they can do to reduce their impact by modifying materials and processes that are best for our environment. I was pleased to hear recently that NEXUS will be hosting its first Climate Day event prior to our N! Business Forum in Montreal and that the North American Auto Care Association is launching a new Sustainability Committee focused at increasing the awareness and to provide guidance to all to encourage best practices in an effort to become more environmentally friendly. 

I CARE 4 THE PLANET

VALEO SERVICE A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE AFTERMARKET

I Care 4 The Planet

With the challenge of climate change and a reduction in driver purchasing power, Valeo is more than ever committed to supporting the automotive aftermarket professionals in their aim to make the required mobility transformation more environmentally friendly and affordable.

With this thought in mind, Valeo Service has put a multifaceted approach into action, entitled I Care 4 the Planet.

These initiatives cover three areas of activity: a product offering with more and varied refurbished automotive parts, more environmentally friendly packaging and logistics designed to limit delivery distances.

Remanufacturing is a great Way 4ward

An important factor in reducing the automotive aftermarket’s impact on the environment is in creating a more sustainable product portfolio. A reman product reuses on average 80% of the material, and according to life cycle analysis, reduces carbon footprint on average by 50 to 80% in comparison with a new product.

In line with the aim to reach Carbon Neutrality by 2050, Valeo Service has ramped up its efforts in

the Reman sector. As of November 2022, Valeo Service had 8,186 references in its European portfolio and, in 2023, will continue launching 500+ references on existing product families. On top of this, new and more technical product families will be released onto the market including the e-compressor, e-drive, and torque convertors, which will sit alongside traditional product categories such as clutches, starters & alternators, and compressors.

Spreading the Word

Launching new references alone, however, is of course not enough.

In collaboration with Nexus Academy, Valeo Service – during 2022 - used digital training sessions to successful teach more than 200 Nexus Trainers. These sessions covered pure electrification topics (mild-hybrid technologies and “Basic” level of full electrification), EV associated products (such as Dual Dry Clutches, Dual Wet Clutches and torque converters) and Reman.

What’s more, Valeo Service has made the identification of the Reman alternative for each truck clutch kit simpler than ever before, thanks to its digital tool called “Truck Clutch kit finder”. Frost & Sullivan awarded it the title of European New Product Innovation in 2022.

Packaged 4 the Future

The next area of attention I Care 4 the Planet will focus on is the eradication of plastics and the reduction of ink consumption in packaging. These efforts go hand-in-hand with the increasing use of

recycled materials, utilizing biodegradable materials, and of course, reducing the amount of packaging used in the first place.

The final area I Care 4 the Planet has identified as crucial is that of logistics. Logistics naturally plays an important role in ensuring that goods and services reach customers in a timely and cost-effective manner. But a modern logistics system must also take the environment into account.

First, Valeo Service puts high attention on producing as close as possible to the markets where the products are distributed. In addition, Valeo Service is looking at reducing carbon emissions by developing direct deliveries to customers so as to avoid intermediate steps along the way. This approach is completed by supporting the Reforest Action association: Valeo Service plants a tree for each ton of direct delivery, helping to create a virtuous logistics distribution flow.

However, Valeo Service isn’t forgetting the small things as it plans to optimize transportation fill rates by consolidating shipments and improving the stackability of products. All of which will greatly reduce tons of CO2 emissions.

I Care 4 the Planet is not just about the big things, but also about dealing in the details. And, going forwards, wherever the I Care 4 the Planet logo is seen, aftermarket professionals can be sure that they are working with products which put the environment first. 

TecAlliance launches new season of TecTalk podcasts

TecAlliance, the leading data expert in the automotive aftermarket, has the launched the second series of their popular podcast, TecTalk. The episodes were recorded by Christian Müller, Vice President Marketing, during AAPEX, the premier event for the automotive aftermarket in North America. TecTalk features in-depth conversations with industry experts on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the automotive aftermarket. The second season focuses on guests from North America, providing listeners with valuable insights and perspectives from the region.

The first season of TecTalk with a total of eleven episodes was recorded during Automechanika Frankfurt in 2022 and was a great success. As a result of the positive feedback, nine new episodes were recorded at AAPEX 2022 in Las Vegas.

“We are thrilled to be launching the second series of TecTalk,” said Christian Müller. “We talked to some of the most innovative and influential leaders in the automotive industry from North America. We believe that our listeners will find the conversations to be engaging, informative, and thought-provoking.”

The second season of TecTalk features the following interviews:

• John Chalifoux, President & COO at MERA –Circular Economy

• Gigi Ho, VP Operations at SEMA Data – Parts Data

• Anna Heinendirk, Director Marketing at

• Schaeffler North America – Automotive Aftermarket in North America

• Jonathan Amo, Director Global Aftermarket at Gates – Data Quality

• Dirk Fuchs, Director Technical Programs at I-CAR – Repair Data/Training

• Erik Hjermstad, VP Product Management at Experian Automotive – VIO Data

• Joe Stephan, VP Sales North America at NEXUS – ITGs in North America

• Robert Cannon, CEO at AutoNetTV – Workshop Networks

• David Williams, Managing Director at JNPOptiCat – TecAlliance in North America

TecTalk is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. To stay up-to-date on the latest episodes, listeners can subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform and follow TecAlliance on social media.

For more information please visit www.tecalliance.net

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IQT: digital and fast transfer of the cost estimates with direct response capabilities for customer.

Parts catalog interfaces to all browser based TOPMOTIVE systems.

Overview off all real-time updates – quickly react to important events or system changes.

tmERIK differentiates between UI language for multiple users and reporting language.

Chat module for optimal communication, data exchange and interaction with customers.

tmERIK is the cloud-based solution that can also be used in an international environment without any problems. tmERIK includes all modules that significantly simplify the everyday work in automotive workshops. Through the direct connection to the respective wholesaler catalog, tmERIK enables even more efficient, smooth and digital communication. Thanks to automatic system guidance, initial instruction in the standard settings is straightforward. If questions arise, support can be contacted directly via the application.

THE INEVITABLE COLLABORATIVE PATH

JEAN-MARC PIERRET Journalist, ZePros

THE RACE TO THE END CUSTOMER HAS BEGUN!

The digitization of the customer journey is the first time that the automotive manufacturers can hope to win the Holy Grail of the end customer. Some other industrial sectors have already succeeded in doing so by exploiting their specific strengths.

In an aftermarket industry being revolutionized by digital technology, vehicle manufacturers are working on it, tire manufacturers are trying it out and part manufacturers sometimes dream about it. But overcoming the legitimacy of the proximity and services of parts distributors and repairers will not be so simple. Whatever the appetites of each party, hopes of domination will have to give way to a more pragmatic collaborative approach.

For a long time now, automotive manufacturing players, in the broadest sense, have dominated or at least controlled their markets. In Europe, vehicle manufacturers have appropriated the new car

sale through exclusive and selective distribution. The major part manufacturers have kept control of the spare parts market by succeeding in imposing their premium brands and their market shares thanks to the vehicle manufacturer’s price reference system. It is a reference system that has been adopted and maintained in many European countries - by all the players in the aftermarket sales value chain -since they get the best possible margins from it.

Other industrial examples are even more striking. Luxury industry has simply integrated its distribution and points of sale with exponential profitability. Oil companies too, whose 5 majors hold 85%

THE INEVITABLE COLLABORATIVE PATH

of the distribution and sale of their products. The chemical, aeronautical and marine industries see their main representatives powerful enough to dictate prices and strategies. And what can we say about the Gafam who, in just two decades, have revolutionized customer experience. They reserve full control of the upstream profitability of a digitalization that they have made essential to the functioning of all downstream markets.

The opportune digitalization

And it is precisely this digitalization that now allows parts and vehicle manufacturers to dream of going beyond distribution and repair to reach the final customer. Driven in this direction by the dizzying investments imposed by environmental challenges, vehicle manufacturers have decided to bet big on the sale of their vehicles online and to reduce their distributors to the simple role of sales agents. They also intend to take advantage of the fantastic data war announced for connected vehicles. It can allow them to finally capture and follow the customer, BtoC as well as BtoB, from the time the vehicle is put on the market until the end of its life. By directing the customer towards the new vehicle, the used car or the workshops is in the best interests of their car brands.

The major tire manufacturers are following the same path. With their monstrous investments in BtoC communication, they are also deploying their own direct online sales where they display

tire prices that even their distributors can no longer reach! They do this with all the more conviction as they have bought out, or kept their distributors under control. At the same time, they have developed or acquired networks of tire specialists to which they can direct the online tire buyer.

Dealership groups pushed to independence

But if the race to the end customer war has begun, its outcome is far from certain. By wanting to reappropriate the costs of new vehicle distribution, vehicle manufacturers are also forcing their historical car dealers to urgently revisit their business model. In doing so, they are forcing them to reinvent and rethink themselves as independents. After having long considered after-sales service as a necessary evil for sales, dearlership groups understand that maintenance and repair is becoming vital for them. Especially when the auguries are all predicting that by 2030, IAM will hold 70% of the aftermarket.

For several years, some visionary dearlership groups had certainly begun to hybridize with independent repair concepts, which were often franchised. Aware of the role of the aftermarket service in maintaining customer relations, they are now diversifying into independent parts distribution (D’Ieteren Group with the European PHE, Emil Frey France with the French distributors Flauraud, and then MGA) and spreading their territories with multi-brand brands capable of serving the expectations of older vehicles.

The inevitable collaborative path

For parts, even if some well-known suppliers also dream of doing business with the end customer, it can only be by proxy: part manufacturers cannot do without the powerful logistics and service scheme of independent distribution. For the part manufacturer, the real end-customer remains the repairer, who will continue a symbiotic relationship with his distributor who delivers, trains and supports him more and more financially, commercially and organizationally.

Because they are both as powerful as they are legitimate, the trilogy of part manufacturer/distributor/independent repairer, the workshops of car dealers in the midst of an existential transformation, as well as the manufacturers who are greedy for domination, will have to share the end customer’s cake for one simple reason: none of them can swallow it alone. They have always been fierce competitors and will obviously remain so.

But the solid foundations of these three pillars of the aftermarket ecosystem, confronted together with the challenge of agility imposed by digital acceleration, show them the only viable middle way: a necessarily and pragmatically collaborative approach which, if it remains to be invented in many forms, is already being sketched out by the most far-sighted players. 

ON THE HUNT FOR BRAKE DUST PARTICLES

INTERVIEW WITH PHILIPP NYHOF, DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER AT TMD FRICTION

With the new Euro 7 standard, nonexhaust particulate emissions come into focus for the first time. Accordingly, from January 2025 at the earliest, strict requirements will also apply for brake and tyre abrasion on all newly registered passenger cars. In November 2022, the European Commission presented a draft that stipulates that 7 mg of fine particles per kilometer may be emitted - i.e. for all four brakes together - and that for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. As a Friction Expert TMD Friction is assist-

ing with the preparation of the Euro 7 in the area of brake emissions and is working closely with vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers.

Euro 7 targets brake abrasion for the first time. How can the brake pad contributetosustainablemobility?

There’s no question ‒ fine particulate matter is created by mechanical abrasion in the braking process of a friction brake and is released into the environment, which can lead to breathing and cardiovascular disorders.

That’s why it’s not only safety, but also protection of the environment and human health which are the top priorities in TMD Friction’s development department. We make all of our friction material mixes ourselves and the raw materials used have to go through thorough checks. And that’s exactly what we do in our own laboratories in each development process. As a result, we make virtually all of our pads without copper or antimony, for example.

IN THE PURSUIT OF e MISSION CONTROL

What’sdifficultaboutmeasuringbrakedust?

The biggest difficulty when taking measurements is always designing a method that is consistent and reproducible, while still replicating reality as closely as possible. At the test bench, the challenge is to capture all the brake particles. You need at least two separate measurement positions to measure brake emissions ‒ one on the front axle and one on the rear axle. This makes it difficult to carry out the measurement on the vehicle itself. Particles can also escape in all directions because of how the various components such as the wheel, rim, brake disc, etc. rotate. As a result, and to keep particle losses as low as possible, measurements are taken on the test bench using a brake housing.

Is it possible to comply with this limit with a brake pad and a brake disc alone, or do you need other technical supportsystems?

We believe that this limit of 7 mg per kilometer per vehicle can be met with well-matched friction pairings and, as experts in friction, we are working on reducing abrasion directly on the product, i.e. the pad. Therefore, we review which combinations of raw materials can be used in

conjunction with specially designed brake discs to reduce brake dust emissions. In the last 34 years alone, TMD Friction has developed 50,000 different friction material mixes. With extensive experience in this area, we will be able to help vehicle manufacturers around the world to move towards pollutant-free, emission-free mobility.

If we think now about the independent aftermarket, what impactwilltheEuro7standardhaveonbrakepadssoldfor replacementorretrofittingpurposes?

No direct impact at first because the Euro 7 standard is anticpated to apply from 2025 for all newly licensed cars. It will be at least one or two years after that before these vehicles start coming into independent workshops. At the same time, it must be ensured that the brake pads on the aftermarket also satisfy the current emissions limit values. I think it is highly probable that the ECE-R-90 guideline will be updated accordingly. This would then require not only ‒ as is currently the case ‒ that aftermarket brake pads and discs must match the original products in terms of performance and braking behaviour, but that the brake dust limit values are also complied with.

“TMD Friction has developed 50,000 different friction material mixes. With extensive experience in this area, we will be able to help vehicle manufacturers around the world to move towards pollutant-free, emission-free mobility.”

PhilippNyhof,DevelopmentEngineeratTMDFriction

A CONTINUOUS INCREASE IN INTELLIGENCE

PHILIPPE COLPRON Head of ZF Aftermarket and Executive Vice President, ZF Group

HOW DIGITALIZATION INFLUENCES THE FUTURE SERVICE EXPERIENCE

The lives and work of the mechanics, the distributors and the wholesalers are all becoming digitalized. It’s not only software use, which is growing. We are all seeing a continuous increase in intelligence provided by different tools and systems that help us be more productive and efficient in our jobs.

The vehicle itself

Regarding the transformation of mobility, you can start from the digitization of the vehicle itself. The maintenance of those vehicles will require the ability to leverage software and over-the-air services, as well as cloud capabilities. The mobility decisions will all be digitalized – from the lone driver to the connected driverless vehicle that makes databased decisions.

According to a market research report by P&S Intelligence, the global automotive OTA updates market was valued at $2,422.6 million in 2020. This is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period 2021–2030 due to the increasing number of connected cars and electric vehicles (EVs).

Changes driven by ‘Over-the-Air’

Automotive Over-The-Air (OTA) is changing the industry. Applications such as software updates,

live diagnostics, and data collection not only promise an enormous savings potential, but also enable many new opportunities to increase customer loyalty. They allow for the offer of remote support through support centers and the ability to advise customers in real time, whether it makes sense to continue the journey to the next workshop or not. In the workshop, diagnostic applications running on a central backend system can improve today’s diagnostic tester’s performance.

Added value across the industry

It is necessary to bring coherence, simplicity, and partnerships to the workshops. The era of digitalization is also the era of exchanging data - not only in respect of privacy and GDPR, but in a way that can start adding value. The industry needs artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that can really tackle inefficiencies and can start automating decisions. Only automation will bring real effectiveness and lead to user satisfaction.

This evolution in technologies will allow us to derive insights from very large sets of diverse data which has opened-up a completely new horizon of opportunities, and the ability to reach even higher levels of benefits for transporters and fleets. It is about the access and the processing of the data, but also the ability to generate reliable predictions in real time and use these predictions to automate operational decisions of the fleet or the driver.

Let’s take fuel as an example. For a long time, we have been providing report and post-the-fact analysis allowing us to reduce total fuel consumption. We can go much further now by integrating vehicle data, driver’s data, transport information - like destination and actual fuel price evolution - to recommend in real time to the driver, where and when and how much diesel he needs to refuel. All of that to minimize the fuel bill at the end of the month. This example applies to fuel, but it can be extended to other operational decisions including: when to take a rest, when to change route, or how to best choose a parking space.

Predictive maintenance and connected tire management are two other sources of operating cost optimization that are linked to the vehicle. Next to that, further efficiency gains can be enabled when considering the entire fleet of commercial vehicles: better dispatching of vehicles, optimized utilization of cargo space and automation of processes of the fleets are core to the solutions that fleets, and transporters are looking for.

When we look at agricultural businesses, we can see clearly how big the impact can be: Preventive maintenance is extremely valuable to the business, as it ensures continuous uptime. This means that the worst-case scenario can be ruled out - that would be when the agricultural machinery breaks down in the very relevant time window - when the fields must be harvested for the optimum yield, resulting in an enormous financial loss. A connectivity solution that prevents this is very favorable in terms of cost - it not only prevents high repair costs and long workshop visits, but also ensures that there are no losses resulting from the downtime of a vehicle. 

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Valeo is committed to the active development of its portfolio for Hybrid and Electric vehicles, including traditional and new product technologies.

Valeo has already developed 4,500 maintenance parts. The ambition is to reach 6,000 parts by the end of 2023.

BORN TO ELECTRIFY THE AFTERMARKET, FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

It is no secret that the automotive world is undergoing a major electric revolution – and Valeo sits at the very heart of it. To reduce its carbon footprint, the European parc is being electrified through multiple initiatives – and by 2030, more than 30% of vehicles on the road are set to be electrified.

Many opportunities will appear in the aftermarket. New spare parts will be equipped in Hybrid and Electric vehicles, while challenges such as accessing parts is a top priority for actors working in the IAM. The two domains that will be most impacted by electrification are Powertrain and Thermal Management. Valeo has already made huge advancements in both areas.

1) With the aim of providing more sustainable mobility solutions for the drivers of tomorrow, Automotive Powertrains are being completely overhauled. Valeo’s recent acquisition of Siemens eAutomotive has strengthened its position as the world leader in electrification. Valeo boasts a full range of low and high voltage electric powertrain solutions.

2) In brand new vehicles, Thermal Management Systems control the temperature of both the cabin and the battery. Once again, Valeo is an OE leader thanks to innovative thermal solutions invented for ICE, Hybrid, and Electric vehicles. Correctly functioning thermal management systems of electric and hybrid vehicles are essential in ensuring High Voltage Components function safely. This happens by cooling or heating High Voltage components, but also by ensuring that High Voltage batteries maintain an optimal temperature range – and with it, have a longer lifetime.

By offering the aftermarket these new technologies for electrified vehicles, Valeo is helping steer the ongoing electric revolution. This began in 2020,

with the launch of the iBSG (Integrated Belt-driven Starter Generator) for Mild Hybrid Technologies, which was the very first one on the market . This was soon followed in 2022 by the introduction of the DWC DMFs – technology that was recognized as hugely innovative in helping reduce the noise, vibration, and harshness associated with the startstop mechanism of hybrid vehicles.

The most recent aftermarket innovation in electrification involves the launch of electric compressors — which are one of the key products in thermal management systems.

By the end of 2023, Valeo will be launching new High Voltage components, including powertrain products such as inverters, OBCs (On Board Chargers), and eDrives. Thermal Management components that ensure the correct functioning of the battery (with chillers and battery blowers) will also be launched.

In addition to new product launches, Valeo offers a technical support program that includes fitting instructions, live training sessions, webinars, interactive presentations, and videos from the Valeo Tech@ssist free Online Technical web platform. This is available in more than eight languages.

SETTING HIGHER STANDARDS FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS

We’ve been defining new routes in filtration technology and thermal management since 1971 Meeting new needs, facing higher standards.

That’s how we’ve become one of the most respected Italian companies in filtration technology: with over fifty years of research, passion and innovation

MADE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE

BE READY FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

When will autonomous driving arrive and what skills will workshops need to learn?

Fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) are already in development around the world, but their growth will be a slow and steady process. Widespread use of AVs is probably a decade away even for the companies that have been already working on them for years. Numerous obstacles have to be overcome for autonomous driving to become mainstream. Most of these are safety issues, and in particular the challenges of addressing the interaction between AVs and manually operated vehicles as well as pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

What does this mean for technicians today and in the future?

AVs will bring increased usage and an increased need for repairs, because they will be in operation more than other vehicles. So, while the market may be slow to develop, there will be lots of work for garages and workshops when they do arrive.

Much of the technology of AVs will be similar to other vehicles, but particularly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. So it’s a good idea, if preparing to work on AVs, that technicians first get themselves familiar with ADAS functions and servicing. Radar and lidar systems that we are starting to see on vehicles will be the same systems that an AV will use to detect the environment and hazards.

As well as some of the more conventional technologies present, AVs will bring some highly advanced systems that technicians will need to understand and be able to service. Some of these areas include programming, machine learning and AI, and robotics

What does ‘autonomous’ actually mean?

The industry typically puts autonomous vehicles (AVs) in categories according to the amount of autonomous technology they include:

Level 0 - No automation at all, on any system on the vehicle. All vehicle operation fully dependant on a person.

Level 1 - automation includes some small steering or acceleration tasks performed by the car without human intervention, but everything else fully under human control.

Level 2 - automation is similar to advanced cruise control or original autopilot system. The car can automatically take safety actions, but there is still a need for the driver to stay alert.

Level 3 - automation still needs a human driver, but the driver is able to hand over some “safety-critical functions” to the vehicle, under certain traffic or environmental conditions.

Level 4 - automation is a car that can drive itself almost all the time without any human input, but might be programmed not to drive in unmapped areas or during severe weather.

Level 5 - automation means full automation in all conditions.

AVs

– the future of mobility...

Autonomous vehicles are the coming age of mobility. There’s no question that when they arrive, they’ll transform our lives as well as the way vehicles are serviced.

AVs should be on the technicians long-term radar in terms of new skillsets to acquire. Delphi Technologies is here to help by delivering expert training on the latest technologies.

Preparing you for today and tomorrow