Independent automotive aftermarket strengthens the automotive industry with an economic contribution of around EUR 200 billion

• New study by Roland Berger and the European federation of independent automotive parts distributors and wholesalers (FIGIEFA) quantifies economic benefits generated by the independent automotive aftermarket (IAM) beyond its direct market volume of around EUR 100 billion in spare parts sales.

• Affordable maintenance and repair enable an estimated 314 billion additional vehicle kilometers per year – nine percent more mobility in Europe.

• Higher vehicle residual values increase the potential budget for new vehicles by EUR 65 billion, while reduced downtime generates a further EUR 23 billion in economic benefits.

Munich, November 4, 2026

The independent automotive aftermarket (IAM) makes a far greater contribution to Europe’s economy and mobility than its direct market volume of around EUR 100 billion in spare parts sales would suggest. This is the finding of a new study by Roland Berger and FIGIEFA, which quantifies the IAM’s wider economic benefits for the first time. By providing affordable maintenance and repair, the IAM enables an estimated 314 billion additional vehicle kilometres each year. At the same time, lower total costs of vehicle ownership and higher vehicle residual values increase consumers’ potential budget for new cars by around EUR 65 billion. Shorter vehicle downtimes generate an additional economic benefit of approximately EUR 23 billion per year.

“The independent automotive aftermarket is far more than a market for repairs and spare parts. It keeps mobility affordable, increases vehicle residual values and reduces economically costly downtime,” says Maximilian Wegner, Principal at Roland Berger. “This makes the IAM an important pillar of the competitiveness of both the European automotive industry and the wider economy.”

The IAM comprises a Europe-wide network of independent parts manufacturers, parts wholesalers, repair shops and other service providers such as multi-brand diagnostic tool producers, data publishers or remote service providers. They all keep the 332 million vehicles in Europe mobile. With a market share of around 64 percent, up from approximately 62 percent in 2021, it remains the largest service channel in the European aftermarket. At the same time, maintenance and repair are becoming increasingly important since the lifespans of vehicles are extending: The average age of passenger cars in Europe rose from 11.9 years in 2020 to 12.9 years in 2024.

“The independent parts distribution sector has undergone a profound transformation over the last decade. It is no longer a supply chain moving parts from one location to another. Today it is a highly interconnected ecosystem that integrates data, diagnostics, (remote) technical support and digital tools alongside with efficient parts logistics and distribution. This evolution is supporting independent operators adapt to new vehicle technologies and continue providing high-quality services to vehicle owners across Europe", says Sylvia Gotzen, Chief Executive of FIGIEFA.

The independent automotive aftermarket benefits consumers and vehicle manufacturers alike: Competition and a dense service network reduce maintenance and repair costs, lowering the total cost of vehicle ownership. With the same mobility budget, lower operating costs enable around 314 billion additional vehicle kilometers per year – an increase of nine percent. At the same time, reliable and cost-effective repair options support vehicle residual values. This reduces the effective depreciation borne by consumers and can leave them with a larger disposable income and budget for their next vehicle purchase – around EUR 65 billion per year.

At the same time, the dense network of independent repair shops and parts distributors complements vehicle manufacturers’ own service networks and ensures broad geographic coverage. For established European manufacturers, this mature infrastructure is an advantage over new market entrants, which first need to build comparable repair and service capabilities.

• Technological change pressures the independent aftermarket

Meanwhile, electrification and software-defined vehicles are fundamentally changing replacement parts supply and maintenance, as well as repair services. Work on high-voltage batteries or thermal management systems requires new tools, diagnostic equipment, protective gear and specially trained employees. Software diagnostics, updates and the calibration of advanced driver assistance systems are also becoming increasingly important.

For many of these tasks, independent repair shops need access to manufacturer-specific vehicle data and software systems. However, cybersecurity requirements and differing access and authentication procedures add complexity. If access is too technically demanding or not economically viable, this can restrict competition and limit independent businesses’ ability to carry out competitive repairs.

To safeguard the IAM’s economic and social contribution over the long term, the study identifies three key areas for action:

1. Build technical capabilities for new generations of vehicles: Independent repair shops need to invest in training, diagnostic equipment as well as tools for electric mobility and software-based repairs. Independent parts wholesalers and repair-shop networks can also make these capabilities accessible to smaller businesses.

2. Ensure practical access to vehicle data and software functions: A robust and ‘update to technical progress’ regulatory framework is needed to ensure non-discriminatory access. Vehicle manufacturers must provide access that is secure, easy to use and economically viable.

3. Improve efficiency across the value chain: Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, independent parts distributors and repair shops need to collaborate more closely so that spare parts are immediately available and repairs remain fast and affordable. Digital solutions and AI help repair shops identify faults more quickly and get vehicles back on the road sooner.

About the study
The study “Powering Europe Forward: Why the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Matters More Than Ever” was prepared by Roland Berger in collaboration with FIGIEFA. It is based on market, structural and industry data from 34 European countries, as well as analyses by Wolk & Nikolic After Sales Intelligence.

About Roland Berger
Roland Berger is the only leading global strategy consultancy of European origin. The firm combines deep industry expertise with broad experience across core management functions and transformation programs. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Munich, Roland Berger supports companies worldwide in shaping and executing complex transformations – from strategic repositioning and performance improvement to the development and application of data-driven, AI-enabled solutions. Roland Berger is working towards achieving its company-wide net-zero emission reduction targets by 2040, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The firm’s progress is documented in its annual ESG report. In 2025, Roland Berger generated revenues of over EUR 1 billion.

About FIGIEFA
FIGIEFA is the international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors. Its members represent independent wholesalers of automotive spare parts and components, as well as the garage networks affiliated with them. FIGIEFA brings together 20 national trade associations from 19 countries and 5 international trading groups. The objective of FIGIEFA is to ensure that European Union and United Nations legislation affecting the automotive aftermarket guarantees free and effective competition in the market for vehicle spare parts, maintenance, and repair.