The recent launch of Ford's first legal, hands-free autonomous vehicle in the UK marks a turning point in the evolution of self-driving technology. The dream of selfdriving cars, which once seemed distant, is now much closer than we thought. At the same time, we find ourselves on the cusp of an electric vehicle (EV) revolution, with EVs accounting for over 14% of the world's passenger vehicle sales in 2022, compared to 9% in 2021. The automotive industry has never experienced such a rapid pace of change, presenting the aftermarket with a unique opportunity to modernise and acquire new skills. Adapting to the future One of the primary benefits of autonomous vehicles lies in their advanced safety systems, which are expected to significantly reduce the number of collisions due to fewer human errors and smart decisionmaking. As a result, the Auto OEM collision repair marketing could decline by as much as 50% by 2030. The rise of the EV market poses a similar challenge, as electric vehicles require fewer conventional maintenance tasks. However, instead of viewing this as a threat, the aftermarket should see it as an opportunity. Those that pivot their focus from traditional to more specialised repairs and maintenance will be ahead of the curve. The rise of eco-friendly services By embracing these changes and catering to the unique needs of modern drivers, garages can gain a competitive advantage. As more drivers seek sustainable options, with 16 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2023 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net What do garages do in order to be able to fully embrace the autonomous vehicle future? 64% wanting their next car to be a new energy vehicle, providing services that align with eco-friendly preferences will attract more customers. By providing specialised services for these vehicles, the aftermarket industry can also actively contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the automotive industry. With car manufacturers alone emitting 74 million tonnes of CO2 each year, there's a shared responsibility across the board—whether you're a manufacturer, garage, or insurer—to make more sustainable decisions. A key approach to achieving this for garages is through remanufacturing and refurbishing used parts, extending the life of products that might otherwise end up in landfills. By prioritising product design with durability and ease of repair in mind, technicians can also ensure longerlasting and easily maintainable items. BY Bill Brower, Vice President of Industry Relations at Solera AFTERMARKET EVOLUTION
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