Motorists remain price conscious, particularly in Europe’s leading five markets, where vehicle sales and servicing levels have fallen since the recession. More motorists are buying budget/mid-range products, while others are reducing the frequency of vehicle servicing to cut costs. This report looks at what underpins motorists’ decision to replace parts. Learn more with sample pages from our Motorists Attitudes to Component Replacement report.

2. March 2014
Motorists’ attitudes to component replacement | Charlie Schouten page 2
Research from Verdict Automotive shows that although vehicle manufacturer networks still
have the ability to dictate which products motorists should and should not purchase, price
competitiveness remains a key factor. Many motorists remain acutely price conscious,
particularly in Europe’s leading five markets, where levels of vehicle sales and servicing
have fallen significantly since the recession of 2008. As a result, more motorists are
beginning to turn toward budget and mid-range products in order to cut back on vehicle
expenditure, while others are reducing the frequency of vehicle servicing significantly to cut
costs.
These factors will have far reaching consequences – and also offer many opportunities – to
different distribution channels. Major growth opportunities are presented for channels such
as fast fits, autocentres and online players, while vehicle manufacturer networks in
particular face a battle to maintain their share and sales across many markets.
There is also a clear geographical divide in attitude when it comes to the replacement of
vehicle parts. The countries covered can be divided into three groups – the leading five
European markets, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, and emerging markets – each of
which broadly shares a similar attitude toward part replacement. Consequently, businesses
must focus on different areas of the replacement market in each of the different
geographical areas.
Europe’s leading five markets
Verdict’s research shows that in Europe’s leading five markets, part replacement is still
largely dictated by a mechanic, meaning that dealerships are likely to remain dominant in
the short term. Yet in Eastern Europe and Sweden garages are best placed to take
advantage of the consumer trends that are in evidence, meaning that there are significant
opportunities for budget and mid-range component manufacturers.
Emerging Markets
In the emerging markets, vehicle manufacturer networks will face a battle to retain their
current leadership of the market as vehicles move out of the warranty period, threatening
dealerships in these markets.
To find out more about the drivers affecting motorists’ attitudes to part replacement and
how understanding them can help channels to compete, please
contact enquiries@verdictretail.com
The full report is available to purchase in our store.

3. March 2014
Motorists’ attitudes to component replacement | Charlie Schouten page 3
Some of our aftermarket channel reports
HOW MOTORISTS USE THE INTERNET: INSIGHT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ATTITUDES TOWARD VEHICLE SERVICING AND REPLACEMENT: INSIGHT AND
RECOMMENDATIONS