How 2025 trends will shape Autoelectro’s year
Technological shifts but an older car parc, supply chain instability and availability are the areas of industry focus that Autoelectro will use as inspiration in 2026 – a year that marks the remanufacturer’s 40th anniversary.
The rotating electrics specialist believes the continued rise of 48V MHEV technology has been one of the most significant developments of 2025. These 48V systems introduce a new generation of starter motors and alternators – advanced but sensitive and tightly integrated with electrical systems and software – and are forecast to grow globally because of increasingly-tight emissions and demand for fuel-efficient vehicles1.
Autoelectro Business Development Manager, John Cosgrove, said: “These alternators are closer to computers than traditional parts!”
There are technical, economical, operational and safety consequences associated with these more complex systems:
Technical: Added components, software and interfaces increase failure modes, thermal stress and integration challenges.
Economical: Development, production and repair costs rise due to greater design effort, more advanced materials and higher service complexity.
Operational: Vehicles become harder to diagnose and maintain, requiring specialised tools, training and longer repair times.
Safety: More software and higher electrical loads expand the risk surface, demanding stricter functional-safety controls, cybersecurity measures and more rigorous validation.
Autoelectro’s Harnek Bhogal said: “The margin for error now has become so small. If the unit in question is a 48V MHEV alternator that costs £1,000+, usually the front of the vehicle must be stripped down to get to the alternator.
“This could present challenges for volume distributors, depending on the level of testing and verification capability they have in-house. For us, though, we have complete oversight of this.”
Autoelectro has control over its in-house procedures, namely components, quality processes, engineering and testing. This is a quality that Autoelectro believes is increasingly desired by motor factors and workshops – and why it is the only remanufacturer in the UK that can produce 48V MHEV water-cooled 3L diesel alternators (AEG9023). This in addition to the rest of its unrivalled 48V MHEV range.
New technology but older car parc
Ironically, despite the impressive evolution of rotating electrics technology, the average age of a car continues to rise, now approaching 10 years2 – a record high. Motorists are holding onto their vehicles for longer; hesitance about switching to full EV, concerns around charging infrastructure and uncertainty about residual values are just some of the reasons Autoelectro has encounted over the past 12 months.
Consequently, while many high-volume suppliers tend to focus on established, higher-demand part numbers, coverage for newer and more complex systems can vary. This gap can create challenges in the supply chain; however, Autoelectro supports the full breadth of the UK car parc – from classic and vintage models to the latest 48V MHEV applications and emerging brands, such as Omada, Maxus and Jaecoo.
John said: “These new brands bring new charging systems, components and software to the market. To support motor factors effectively, it’s vital not only to offer an extensive catalogue and vehicle range, but also to expand it frequently and react quickly to changes.”
Availability issues remain – but Autoelectro continues to thrive
The topic of stock readiness continues to be one of the most prominent talking points among Autoelectro’s partners. Throughout 2025, later part numbers have remained difficult to source: dealer stock often faces delays, while shipping schedules and lead times for imported products are unpredictable. In an intensely competitive marketplace, every motor factor is fighting for the same sale – and their ability to provide a fast, reliable answer for customers is crucial. When they cannot, through no fault of their own, these delays can leave them vulnerable.
Autoelectro’s supply assurances offer a solution to that uncertainty – Harnek explained: “With deep stockholding (more than 5,000 part numbers and two new ones added every week) and full in-house control of processes, at Autoelectro we provide motor factors with the peace of mind that the right unit will be ready when it’s needed. As a result, customers can approach every enquiry with confidence, knowing they never miss a starter motor or alternator sale due to lack of availability.”
Milestone on horizon
The importance of technical expertise, quality, range depth, availability and brand trust is, arguably, more critical than ever. Looking ahead to 2026, a year that marks Autoelectro’s 40th anniversary, the company is proud to continue flying the flag for British remanufacturing. Autoelectro’s longevity is testament to its unrelenting pursuit of providing outstanding customer service, a quality product and technical leadership.
Harnek concluded: “While four decades in business is an impressive milestone, we are showing no signs of slowing down – the opposite, in fact – and are determined to be at the forefront of modern remanufacturing, ready to support our customers with whatever enquiry they have.”
