Trust in TRW
“TRW considers that while the automotive industry is clearly experiencing a tough period, the aftermarket is not in crisis in Europe”
- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW), the global leader in active and passive safety systems, achieved a new sales high in 2008 of $15 billion – a growth of 2%
TRW Automotive Aftermarket sales accounted for approximately 8% of this total
TRW is one of the top ten automotive suppliers in Europe
As a result of the downturn in the economy, ecological factors, product and technology developments and customer behaviour, TRW foresees a market evolution in four phases for the automotive aftermarket:
| 2009 first half |
a tightening of the market due to financial difficulties faced by a number of players in the distribution chain and at installer level and the extension of service and replacement intervals. |
| 2009 second half |
return to normality, repair and maintenance needs can no longer be put off having seen the extension of service intervals from mid 2008
manufacturer networks will look to increase their market share in service and repair, with a particular focus on customer loyalty. |
| 2010 |
start of the effect of the aging vehicle parc
impact of market consolidation by a number of players. |
So, how has TRW managed to remain buoyant and grow sales in such a tough environment?
The following points outline the thoughts of François Augnet, Vice President of TRW Automotive Aftermarket Europe and Asia Pacific.
- Depth and breadth of the range
- We are ‘chassis specialists’ with a complete offering, creating synergies to support customers
- The IAM has access to OE quality parts manufactured by a tier one supplier
- TRW Automotive Aftermarket has presence across the entire aftermarket: OES and IAM
- We develop our programmes and services and respond to the specific requirements of our customers
- TRW has consolidated the internal management of its OES and IAM
Strategic priorities for TRW Automotive Aftermarket Europe
Increasing environmental opportunities
- Remanufacturing
- Heavy metal free pads
Customer support development
Organisation
- Putting the customer first
Improved legislation - a major target for TRW
- Legislation on the performance of the brake discs. TRW recommends the establishment regulation ECE-R 90 for discs
- Legislation to ensure the safety standards for remanufactured and / or reclaimed parts
- Legislation for the sale of products in pairs