In response to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ announcement that the “used car market (is) up despite (a) volatile year” – 11.5% in fact – LKQ Euro Car Parts CEO, Andy Hamilton explores the implications the figures will have on the independent aftermarket and how the industry may see it develop this year:
“The semiconductor supply crunch, coupled with broader global shipping challenges, helped to make it a year of significant growth for used car sales. Demand was especially hot for cars under three-years-old, as drivers grew tired of long waits for new vehicle orders.
“All of this bodes well for the aftermarket, as 2021’s comparatively fallow year for new car sales will nudge up the average age of the UK’s parc over the long-term.”
Important to acclimatise – and LKQ Euro Car Parts is ready to assist
Andy continued: “The data also tells a story of how the aftermarket will need to adapt in order to thrive over the coming years. Transactions for used hybrid and electric vehicles hit new highs last year, and the rising popularity of automatic transmissions, which now out-sell manual cars in the new vehicle market, is beginning to be reflected in the used space. Similarly, the growth of ADASequipped vehicles and the sophistication of other on-board systems is becoming ever more prevalent in older vehicles.
“We’re ramping up our range of training and support services to help the independent sector lean into these shifting trends. Staying ahead of the game now will help garages to quickly seize the new opportunities being created by the increasing number of times relatively newer vehicles are changing hands in the used car market.”
In other news at LKQ Euro Car Parts, it has expanded its offering for independent workshops by adding auxiliary and reinforced springs from suspension systems specialist, MAD, to its product range.
MAD springs are ideal for drivers of high-load vehicles, such as light commercial vehicles, mobile homes and caravans, and taxis.
Netherlands-based MAD has been ensuring driver comfort and safety tailored to each vehicle’s needs for almost half a century.
All of its springs are quality-approved by TÜV SÜD and RDW, meaning they adhere to international automotive standards.
Colin Cottrell, marketing director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “The MAD brand ethos is in line with our own. They constantly evolve and improve the parts and service they provide to customers and have an ongoing focus on research & development to not only enhance existing products, but to launch new ones too.”
