Change on the horizon

TRW’s Aftermarket VP, François Augnet, told the European press that advances in technology will inevitably have a fundamental impact on every level of the supply chain, and the environment. 

He spoke of an uncertain future unless the industry sits up and takes notice of these changes; learns to deal with the new technologies and looks for ways to lessen the environmental strain. 

Electronic future

Of emerging powertrains and technologies, he places the key emphasis firmly on electronics, and impresses the need to be able to accommodate, work with and repair these technologies. “The future starts right now,” he said. “Anyone who positions themselves now as an electronics specialist will safeguard their future for the next 20 or 30 years”.

Impact of recycled and remanufactured parts

A vehicle contains many chemical components,  and many components ripe for remanufacturing. If all the links in the supply chain pulled together, with Government backing ensuring traceability of these components, it would be easier to recycle or remanufacture them when the vehicle reaches the end of its life.

According to François, parts suppliers need to concentrate on three key areas:

Parts - integrate the aftermarket dimension in R&D and engineering. It is not sufficient to make OE quality parts; they must be replaceable and repairable.
Training - ensure the market is trained in the new technologies. Exponentia SAS, of which TRW is a partner, aims to equip garages across Europe with the OE intelligence to do just that.  
IT - create a common IT platform to trace and follow a component’s history.

In a closing statement, François said: “Technological advances will set off tidal waves which will trigger the restructuring of the industry. These changes will give rise to huge tensions. On a global level, the automotive parts market is growing, but in our mature European market, volumes are decreasing.

“This drop coincides with the technological advances, which will lead to an increasing number of references, increasingly complex logistics and an ever-larger need for support. All of this takes place within a context of dropping profits. This has all the ingredients for a major industry shake up.”