Remanufacturing 46 Sustainability isn’t a buzzword Environmental targets are tightening, and vehicle technology is increasing in complexity; therefore, according to the remanufacturer Autoelectro, the automotive aftermarket must rethink how it defines sustainability – and why availability, quality and long-term trust matter just as much as carbon reduction. Autoelectro, a family-owned remanufacturer, believes sustainability is no longer simply about going green but about creating a resilient aftermarket that can support increasingly advanced vehicle systems well into the future. Autoelectro’s Harnek Bhogal believes remanufacturing offers a critical solution for an aftermarket facing rising complexity in rotating electrics, particularly as the market transitions towards 48V systems with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology. Harnek said: “People often think sustainability is just an environmental conversation – but for us, it’s broader than that. It’s about longevity, quality, trust and ensuring there is always an answer for the customer.” While environmental responsibility is increasingly important for larger businesses facing ESG targets and legislation, for Autoelectro, the biggest commercial value of remanufacturing lies in supply resilience. Remanufacturing protects the aftermarket from potential supply chain disruptions that could affect imported products. “We’re less vulnerable to external shocks because we remanufacture in Britain and maintain our own component stock,” Harnek added. “If a shipment is delayed overseas, businesses relying purely on imported products could struggle. We’re different because we can still manufacture, remanufacture or even rebuild a customer’s own unit if necessary.” The remanufacturing specialist argues this flexibility is becoming increasingly important as complex applications emerge and low-cost aftermarket alternatives are either unavailable or commercially unviable. “There are some modern 48V MHEV applications that simply won’t come from overseas because the volumes and manufacturing complexity don’t make financial sense,” Harnek explained. “That’s where remanufacturing fills the gap.” Autoelectro acknowledges that price is an emotive topic, but urges against viewing remanufacturing purely through the lens of price. “We acknowledge that premium remanufactured units can carry high upfront costs, but we’re confident the real value lies in protecting sales opportunities and customer loyalty,” Harnek continued. “If a factor says no because its supplier doesn’t have the product, the customer doesn’t disappear – they simply go elsewhere. And once another supplier solves that problem, they suddenly have the opportunity to win all the customer’s future business as well.” Autoelectro believes this is where remanufacturing continues to play a vital role within the aftermarket. “We are confident we will always have an answer,” Harnek said. “That’s the sustainable part of remanufacturing, not just environmentally, but commercially.” Tough market conditions Despite Autoelectro’s optimism, the company acknowledged that the UK remanufacturing sector has shrunk significantly in recent years, with several major remanufacturers either downsizing or exiting the market altogether. Harnek believes this trend reflects the growing complexity and cost of modern vehicle systems rather than declining demand. He said: “Everything on vehicles is becoming more expensive – hybrid systems, batteries, electronics, software. Rotating electrics are just one part of that wider technological shift.” However, Autoelectro insists remanufacturing will remain essential as vehicle parc complexity increases. Harnek concluded: “The aftermarket still needs remanufacturers to cover the difficult applications. If remanufacturing disappears, those customers are forced straight back to dealer-only pricing. That’s bad for factors, bad for garages and bad for motorists.” www.autoelectro.co.uk
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