On the Road

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference

April 12, 2023

Chicago, Illinois

Supplier executives from across the automotive aftermarket gathered in Chicago last week to learn all about the latest challenges hitting the industry these days. The conference then kicked off on April 12 with an opening act of Blue Brothers impersonators — fitting as Chicago played host to the conference. Then it was down to business. The Three Dragons segment returned with a government, Wall Street and aftermarket observer give their differing views on aftermarket hot topics. The Boston Consulting Group examined the impact of software-defined vehicles on the aftermarket and who will gain the most — and who stands to lose. Other panels looked at supplier pain points, challenges being faced at the shop level and how suppliers can adapt and the future of aftermarket distribution.

By The Numbers

Stats that put the North American automotive aftermarket into perspective

97% 80%

There is high satisfaction among Canadian EV drivers. Nearly all reported that they will purchase another EV when it’s time to

4 seconds

The driver of a 2005 Volvo V70 completed four tasks while in motion (such as powering on the radio) four times faster than a new vehicle with touchscreen operations.

Vi Bilägare

Online shoppers will abandon their purchase if they don’t feel their payments will be made securely. 81% of consumers believe the future of retail is online.

51.4%

Most Canadians surveyed said they want an EV while 34.1 per cent wanted a traditional gas-powered vehicle. The remaining 14.5 per cent had no preference.

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88.7%

Supply issues ran deep as the vast majority of Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) members reported issues of getting parts from jobbers.

49.1%

Most Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) members expect a sales to go up between 1-10% in 2023. Another 12% predict higher growth.

DesRosiers Automotive Consultants

$24,999

The most amount of money most Canadians want to spend when buying a new vehicle, whether it is an electric or an internal combustion engine vehicle.

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10.5%

An analysis of the automotive industry found that the aftermarket saw sales jump despite “somewhat modest growth” to start the year.

DesRosiers Automotive Consultants

20

National automotive associations around the world came together to sign a global vehicle right to repair position statement. They are calling for a legislated solution.

Automotive Industries Association of Canada