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Could you describe the current organization of GROUPAUTO? Specifically, how do you manage relationships with members and suppliers?
At GROUPAUTO, we place a strong emphasis on cultivating robust relationships with our partners. We collaborate closely with a diverse range of suppliers to ensure that our offerings meet the evolving needs of the market. This year, we have onboarded several new suppliers specializing in heavy-duty products to expand our portfolio. Additionally, we maintain strong connections with our members by supporting them through regional face-to-face meetings and trade shows. Our collaboration with partners is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality products and services throughout the automotive aftermarket.
How does GROUPAUTO support its car repair network, including repair shop projects, training, and services?
We have developed a variety of repair shop projects and training programs to ensure our network is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. We offer a wide range of services to our repair shops, from technical support to marketing initiatives, helping them operate more efficiently. By providing regional training and helpline services in local languages, we can better meet the specific needs of our network and garages. This localized approach has been particularly successful in countries like Italy, Spain, and Poland, where proximity to the network and communication in the local language are crucial for effective support.
What major trends in the automotive industry are currently influencing GROUPAUTO's strategies and operations?
Several significant trends are shaping our strategies and operations. Centrally managed fleets such as lease and rental vehicles are a major trend affecting the automotive aftermarket. This affects both commercial and technical aspects due to the need to adapt our processes to accommodate the increasing requirements of these fleet operators as well as EVs present in many lease and rental fleets. We have developed a fleet services platform to allow our workshops to work together to address the needs of these fleet operators.
Other technical factors such as connected vehicles, software defined vehicles, cyber-security, and parts authentication must also be addressed to allow the aftermarket to continue to offer customers an alternative to dealership services. Here, we are working with FIGIEFA in Brussels to address these issues via legislation if necessary.
Sustainability and the increasing emphasis on remanufacturing, re-use, and refurbished products are another significant trend. Our members are already working with leading suppliers in remanufacturing, refurbishment etc. to ensure that we save resources over the lifecycle of vehicles. We are also exploring ways to reduce the environmental impact of our own logistics requirements.
These trends are driving us to innovate continuously and adapt our offerings to meet the demands of a changing market. We have significantly expanded our efforts in the digitalization of our services, and we are exploring opportunities to integrate AI into our operations.
What is your perspective on the current state of the EV market, and how is this influencing GROUPAUTO’s approach?
The EV market is not growing as fast as expected. Nevertheless, there is a growing number of EVs in the market and GROUPAUTO with its distributors and workshops is prepared to deal with these types of vehicles. We are closely monitoring these developments and adjusting our strategy accordingly.
How does the aging vehicle park and uncertainty in vehicle technology impact GROUPAUTO's business outlook?
The aging vehicle park and uncertainty in vehicle technology are significant growth drivers in the automotive aftermarket. With end consumers keeping their vehicles longer, there is a rising demand for maintenance and repair services. The shift in purchasing behavior towards private label products is becoming more pronounced due to decreased purchasing power in some key markets.
Could you elaborate on GROUPAUTO's approach to private label production and instrumentation?
Private label products can help to address specific market challenges. We work with our members and suppliers to understand where private label products might fit within our broader offering. Where appropriate, high-quality, cost-effective, private label products can then be made available from our members ensuring that our network can offer competitive options to end consumers.
How is the talent shortage in the automotive industry affecting GROUPAUTO, and what measures are you taking to address this challenge?
The talent shortage is a significant challenge in our industry, prompting workshops and distributors to rethink their processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in response to the lack of skilled workers. To address this, we are investing in digital solutions and training programs designed to improve operational efficiency across our network. Additionally, we joined the Talents4AA Initiative in May 2024, which aims to develop and retain talent within the automotive sector.
Can you outline GROUPAUTO’s strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond?
For 2025, we will continue with our newly defined strategy, focusing on Suppliers, Workshops, Marketing, Consultancy, and Expansion activities. Our objectives include bridging portfolio gaps by adding heavy-duty and EV suppliers, expanding our EUROGARAGE and TOP TRUCK networks globally, and enhancing our digital offerings to improve market presence and operational efficiency. We are working to grow our presence around the world. We have experienced significant growth and expansion and aim to maintain this momentum moving forward.
