A turning point for ELTA Automotive

This year has proved a “real turning point” for ELTA Automotive. Tim Brotherton, the company’s marketing manager, reveals why and how it will be a springboard for more success in 2026.

Q. What would you say have been the biggest positives and challenges for ELTA Automotive over the past 12 months?

A. This year’s been a real turning point for us. One of the big highlights was definitely securing a three-year extension to our Halfords bulb contract just one year after we won the original deal. That news came at Automechanika Birmingham, and it validated not just the products we offer, but the values we share around performance and sustainability.

That extension was also made possible in part because we invested in a brandnew, UK-based lighting photometry lab allowing us to validate bulb performance in-house with complete confidence. It’s been a real game-changer, strengthening customer trust and helping us accelerate development.

On top of that, we’ve achieved some major sustainability milestones. A shift to plastic-free packaging, an EcoVadis Silver Award, and new ISO certifications, like 14001 and 45001. It feels like ELTA has really matured as a business this year.

On the flipside, while we love the competition, we have seen more aggressive “only fit OE” messaging from some VMs and brands. They’re battling their own pressures and expanding their offerings. Our job isn’t to fight that; it’s to make sure independent factors and garages know they have strong, trusted alternatives.

Q. Understanding these challenges, how will these be resolved and used as a springboard for 2026?

A. We’ll be building even more momentum with our Champion the Aftermarket campaign. And it won’t just be about talking; we’re putting practical support in place through our ASSIST services.

We’ve got: StockASSIST to help factors build smarter, more efficient inventory based on real-world car parc data. TechASSIST to give workshops direct support via WhatsApp and phone, so they can sort out technical challenges in real time, and BrandASSIST to equip customers with branded marketing content and campaigns tailored to their needs.

All this, combined with the relaunch of our new website and eCat platform, gives us a strong base to help factors and workshops not just compete, but be the competition.

Q. What is ELTA Automotive most proud of in 2025?

A. It’s been an incredible year of recognition for us. We’ve retained ISO 9001 and added both ISO 14001 and 45001, which shows our commitment to quality, the environment and safety.

We also achieved Premier Data Supplier status with TecDoc, which is the highest level and reaffirms our focus on accurate, accessible product data.

And winning an EcoVadis Silver Award, putting us well into the top 15% of evaluated businesses globally, was huge. Add to that a CAT award nomination and winning Component Supplier of the Year at the A1 Awards, and 2025 has been a real milestone year for ELTA.

Q. Supply chain pressures and cost implications have been a talking point in 2025 – how has ELTA approached these challenges?

A. Its been a testing year for everyone in the supply chain. At ELTA, we’ve tackled it with long-term thinking. Working closely with our manufacturing partners and tightening logistics processes to keep products moving and control costs wherever we can.

On our side, we’ve invested in intelligent systems that let us forecast demand using data from TecCom, Factor Sales and customer-supplied reports, so we know what’s needed and where before it’s an issue.

But we don’t stop at our own warehouse. Through StockASSIST, we’re helping factors do exactly the same: stock intelligently and avoid tying up cash in slow moving lines. The end goal? Making sure workshops have quick access to the parts they need to keep drivers on the road.

Q. Technological advances and electrification also continue to make headlines – what part is ELTA Automotive playing?

A. There’s so much going on right now. Electrification is reshaping the market, but it’s also led to something really interesting. The uncertainty of change to EV means older ICE cars are staying on the road longer.The average UK car is now almost 10- years-old, which creates a huge opportunity for the aftermarket.

As an automotive lighting expert, we’ve seen LED headlamps – especially on EVs and SUVs – raise the topic of glare, so much so that the DfT is reviewing standards. But that’s also led to questions around aftermarket halogen bulbs, and we feel it’s important to balance that conversation.

That’s one reason we built our own photometry lab. To make sure every lighting product we sell is precise, safe and compliant with UNECE standards. Whatever side of the market you’re on, EV or ICE, we’re here to support it with confidence.

Q. What trends or developments in the independent aftermarket have had the greatest impact on ELTA in 2025?

A. It has been the perfect storm: rising costs, drivers holding onto older cars, and workshops needing to do more with less.

People are watching their wallets more than ever, and that has driven customers towards independent workshops and parts they can trust. We’re in a great position to meet that need because our brands and services are built on trusted quality at a sensible price.

Plus, we’ve seen a real move towards self-reliance. Factors and workshops want support beyond the product. That’s where our ASSIST services really make a difference.

Q. As we head into 2026, what are your priorities and expectations – and where do you see the main opportunities for growth?

A. Heading into 2026, our mission stays fundamentally the same: champion the aftermarket, strengthen support services, and keep delivering reliable, responsibly made products that help our customers succeed.

Growth-wise, we’re looking in two directions: supporting the ageing UK vehicle parc as millions of ICE cars still need reliable parts every day and investing in the future – especially in product groups tied to EVs. For instance, our heating and cooling range has grown rapidly, and with battery cooling and cabin climate control becoming even more important in EVs, that’s a space we’re really excited about.

So, eyes on the future, but with a firm commitment to the independent businesses keeping Britain moving right now.