Motor factors 41 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2025 Factors looking ahead ‘to challenging year’ The UK automotive aftermarket experienced a challenging start to 2025, according to new data from Factor Sales, the industry’s leading market measurement provider. Analysis of transactional data from participating motor factors revealed a 3.1% year-on-year (YoY) drop in unit sales and a 3% decline in value for the first nine weeks of the year. This followed a period of growth in 2024, where value rose by 5.5% and units by 0.8%. Traditionally, Factor Sales excludes the first week of trading from early weekly analysis, as varying opening hours can distort growth comparisons. After this adjustment, though, the weekly tracker showed that only three categories recorded an average value increase. Engine parts posted growth in both value (+2.1%) and units sold (+4.28%), driven by increased demand for ignition parts and gaskets & seals. In contrast, categories like brakes and miscellaneous showed steep declines. Notably, sales of in-car entertainment systems fell by over 50% in value and 66% in units. Meanwhile, electrical, cooling and heating showed modest value growth but fell in units. Factor Sales business development manager Alex Jenner said: “The early signs from 2025 indicate a difficult trading environment for the aftermarket. While previous years showed growth, the current decline in both value and unit sales suggest a shift in market dynamics. “Engine parts are a rare bright spot, but broader category downturns – especially in braking and miscellaneous – highlight the challenges businesses are facing. “As we move further into the year, it will be crucial to monitor whether these trends persist or if the market stabilises. Understanding consumer behaviour, seasonal demand and supply chain factors will be key to navigating this uncertain landscape.” Separately, Factor Sales announced in March a 100% renewal rate of its 2024 suppliers. The organisation said this highlighted the trust and value placed in its market insights, advanced analytics and datadriven decision-making tools. By providing detailed, digital reports on market share, revenue and volume, evaluating price positioning and competitor dynamics and identifying growth opportunities, Factor Sales is providing suppliers with the intelligence they need to thrive in a competitive automotive aftermarket. It achieves this by analysing transactional data collected from 60% of motor factors across the UK and across 800,000 parts – from a national perspective down to regional and branch levels. Email alexjenner@ pearsonhamgroup.com to learn more about Factor Sales. NAPA celebrates 100 years of auto heritage The National Automotive Parts Association is proudly celebrating its 100th anniversary with a renewed commitment to driving the industry forward and a range of events and activities. In early June, NAPA will be at Automechanika Birmingham as a diamond headline partner, with a unique display celebrating the brand’s centenary. America fell in love with the automobile in the 1920s and NAPA was established in 1925 to meet America’s need for an effective parts distribution system. Down the years, the organisation expanded to distribute NAPA-branded parts alongside industrial parts, electronic materials, commercial vehicle parts, and more. The brand has become synonymous with trust, professionalism, and tradition across the globe. NAPA is now a market-leading brand in the UK and Ireland. With more than 40 product categories. The championship-winning NAPA Racing UK team has launched the brand into the spotlight with a strong presence in the BTCC, MINI Challenge, and more. NAPA Truck keeps fleets moving with a quality range of commercial vehicle parts. NAPA Auto Parts boasts over 270 branches nationwide, joining a global network of over 6,000 locations. https://napaautoparts.eu/en Alex Jenner
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=