EEC explores shifting emissions trends

The duo of Ben Kendrick and Paul Newby, of European Exhaust and Catalyst (EEC), explore how shifting emissions trends, Euro 6 regulations and smarter stock choices are reshaping success in the aftermarket.

Not long ago, the team here at European Exhaust and Catalyst were asked to write an article focusing on what you should be considering when stocking and managing inventory for emissions products. In answering that, it became clear that the traditional Pareto principle – where a small percentage of parts typically account for the majority of sales – has shifted significantly in recent years, especially in relation to catalytic converters (CATs), diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and exhaust (EXH) systems.

One important realisation for businesses operating in this space is that what sells well for you is likely also selling well for your competitors. That makes it increasingly difficult to differentiate based purely on product availability. In this climate, creating and maintaining a USP is more vital than ever. Whether it’s through offering a broader or more specialised product range, exceptional after sales service, robust marketing support or even highly knowledgeable and approachable staff, having a clearly defined USP can give your business a competitive edge – something not easily replicated by others, at least in the short to medium term.

While price is always a significant factor in the exhaust and emissions market, it is crucial not to fall into the trap of competing solely on cost. A ‘race to the bottom’ on pricing can erode profit margins and devalue your offering. Instead, focus on the elements that enhance value for your customers and set your brand apart.

Here at EEC, we have great confidence in our technical support and product quality. As a long-established manufacturer of CATs, DPFs and EXH components, we have built a strong reputation backed by decades of experience. Our product catalogue is comprehensive and continues to evolve, and our commitment to quality manufacturing remains a cornerstone of our brand.

That said, staying relevant in a fast changing market means we must continually innovate and adapt. To ensure we can meet market demands, we manufacture the majority of our range in house while also maintaining strategic partnerships with both domestic and international manufacturers. These partnerships enable us to bring to market the products that our customers are actively seeking, products that are not only necessary but also difficult to source elsewhere.

What’s selling right now?

When it comes to EXH products, the Pareto distribution has tightened around the most popular, mass-produced vehicle applications. These are often vehicles that share common platforms across multiple brands. A good example is the rear silencer for the Citroën C1, which is also compatible with the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107. This part covers six different applications, making it the top-selling exhaust component in the UK by volume.

In the realm of pollution control – namely CATs and DPFs – the landscape is also shifting. While CAT sales have plateaued somewhat, DPFs are experiencing a surge in demand. This is largely driven by the growing number of Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles entering the aftermarket phase of their lifecycle. These newer emissions standards require advanced development and rigorous testing, both of which come with increased cost and complexity. Getting these components right is absolutely essential, both from a performance and regulatory compliance standpoint.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, we are confident of bringing more Euro 5 and Euro 6 DPF and CAT products to market than any other UK manufacturer. This is the result of a recent collaboration that has enabled us to significantly accelerate our product development pipeline. Our aim is to meet the demand for parts that customers are already searching for – but which the broader aftermarket has yet to fully supply, whether for cars or LCVs.

We think the key to success in today’s emissions and exhaust market lies in understanding current demand trends, staying agile and offering something beyond price. For EEC, that means continuing our push on product development, technical support, and customer-focused innovation – ensuring we remain the go-to supplier for what’s selling, now and in the future.