Attitudes toward vehicle servicing in Europe's mature markets have changed since the 2008 financial crisis. Motorists have cut their spending and new vehicle purchasing has dropped to all-time lows in Spain and Italy. Recent economic recovery and incentive schemes have helped new vehicle registrations to recover but sales remain low. In the emerging markets, new registrations have grown.Learn more with sample pages from our Vehicle Servicing & Replacement report

2. March 2014
Attitudes Towards Vehicle Servicing and Replacement | Charlie Schouten page 2
Motorists have changed their attitudes to vehicle servicing and
replacement, dictated by falling disposable income and economic
pressures
Following the financial crisis and recession that began in 2008, attitudes toward vehicle
servicing and maintenance in Europe’s mature markets, particularly in the leading five
economies, have undergone major changes that continue to affect many economies to this
day. Motorists have cut their spending significantly and sales of new vehicles have dropped
to all-time lows in both Spain and Italy.
The recent economic recovery and incentive schemes (such as scrappage schemes) have
helped to drive an increase in new vehicle registrations, but sales remain well below pre-
recession levels, and many motorists continue to reduce the amount that they spend on
vehicle servicing and repair each year.
In the emerging markets of Brazil, India and China, vehicle sales have remained strong.
The number of new registrations recorded has grown year-on-year from 2007, and Verdict
forecasts continued increases up to 2017.
The younger vehicle parc in these countries has meant that demand for componentry and
servicing has remained strong, reflecting increasing levels of vehicle ownership and
growing disposable incomes. Across these markets, the frequency of servicing varies
between six and 12 months, suggesting that motorists in these markets are more likely to
have their vehicles serviced more frequently and also spend a significant amount on
replacement parts
It is clear that there are significant regional variations in motorists’ attitudes toward vehicle
servicing. How this affects distribution channels, and their business planning, varies
between the countries.
In the UK and Germany, vehicle sales have remained strong, meaning that vehicle
manufacturer networks will remain the leading distribution channel for parts, particularly as
levels of knowledge amongst motorists is low. With most motorists reporting that they listen
to the manufacturer’s recommendation when it comes to parts, there is a significant
opportunity for upselling.
In emerging markets, servicing is much more frequent and is typically undertaken on a six
month cycle. In India, Brazil and China, this presents an opportunity for vehicle
manufacturers to cement their leadership of the market. With new vehicle sales set to
increase across all markets, there is still significant growth potential. As a result, dealership
networks should target their marketing toward newer drivers by highlighting the quality of
their parts compared to those of budget and mid-range suppliers.

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Attitudes Towards Vehicle Servicing and Replacement | Charlie Schouten page 3
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The full report is available to purchase in our store.
Some of our aftermarket channel reports:
MOTORIST ATTITUDES TO COMPONENT REPLACEMENT: INSIGHT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
HOW MOTORISTS USE THE INTERNET: INSIGHT AND RECOMMENDATIONS