Turbo market shows ‘two-speed’ trend
The turbocharger market is starting to a display a ‘two-speed’ trend, according to The Turbo Guy Managing Director, Allan Mitchell. He says that while EVs are chipping away at the market share of ICE cars, the LCV and hybrid car segments are sustaining market value – thanks to technological enhancements and strong aftermarket demand.
Latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows the new car market shifting towards 28.5% EV share this year, with the remaining market becoming increasingly dominated by hybrids. Turbos are now integral to hybrid powertrains and range extenders to maximise efficiency. In addition, the use of electric turbos designed to eliminate ‘turbo lag’ and support 48V mild-hybrid systems is also increasing in new passenger cars.
While the SMMT forecasts that pure petrol and diesel car registrations will drop by 12.7% and 18.8% respectively in 2026, the LCV market remains much more reliant on turbocharged engines, with around 80% of the LCV parc powered by diesel. Against this background, LCV has become one of the fastest-growing segments for turbos, primarily driven by the ever-growing needs of the last-mile logistics and home delivery sectors.
Vans typically work harder, cover more mileage and stay in service longer than private cars, which supports a steady pipeline of turbo replacement. We would expect this trend to continue for some time, especially since EV fleets operating in rural operations are constrained by payload, range and charging infrastructure.
Turbo category appears healthy
According to data from Grand View Research, turbochargers are forecast to be the fastest-growing replacement part segment in the UK automotive aftermarket over the coming years, outpacing growth in other parts such as tyres, batteries and brake components.
In terms of demand, the high penetration of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines in the car and LCV parc is the key driver. The turbocharged vehicle parc is ageing; cars and vans are remaining in service for longer, as businesses and consumers become more cost conscious. This has increased the need for replacement turbos as components wear out.
Although the government has formally reinstated the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, new hybrids can still be sold until 2035 – after which all new cars must be zero‑emission.
Crucially for the turbo aftermarket, the legislation only covers new vehicle sales, so used ICE and hybrid cars and vans can continue to be bought and sold indefinitely. This creates a split reality where there is a shrinking new ICE volume, but a large and ageing turbocharged parc staying in service well into the 2040s.
Emissions rules having an impact
Downsized, turbocharged engines and hybrids have become an increasingly attractive transitional technology for manufacturers, which, in turn, boosts long‑term aftermarket demand for turbo replacement.
In the EU market, where diesel sales have consistently declined since the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal in 2015, it is notable that some manufacturers are reintroducing diesel models to gain competitive advantage against the influx of EVs imported from China; for example, Reuters has reported that Stellantis is reintroducing seven diesel models across its European car and van brand portfolio in segments where Chinese manufacturers specialising in EVs do not compete.
Remanufacturing turbos on the up
Price‑sensitive fleets and private owners are increasingly turning to remanufactured turbochargers, which offer OEM levels of performance and quality, as well as costing around 40% less than brand new units. Remanufacturing is a key growth area under the circular‑economy, and this offers workshops a cost-effective and sustainable choice for turbo replacement, as remanufactured units use significantly less energy and materials in production.
Remanufacturing almost 2,000 turbos per month, The Turbo Guy is expanding its presence across the UK, to meet growing demand. We sell turbos exclusively to the trade, with stock availability that covers over 90% of the UK’s petrol and diesel car and LCV vehicles.
