Not just communication between vehicles but also between them and the surrounding world. Wi-Fi networks accessible on the roads, 5G technologies, smart road signs and traffic lights are all elements that will enable the digital transformation of mobility. The first step of this change will be operational as of 2019. But where do we stand at the moment?

By endorsing the joint declaration, EGEA (European Garage Equipment Association) confirms the need for robust policies on behalf of Europe’s future industrial production, 99% of which is made up of SME, the real backbone of the continent’s economy and industry. The initiative bears a great significance also for the car repair sector.

In a crowded automotive market, besides product quality and price, the ability to create value for the customer is becoming increasingly crucial. Here are some useful tips to facilitate the creation of a greater catchment area abroad and increase revenues.

We are looking at an important market, one that has sustained Auto-components manufacturers , spare parts dealers and repair workshops during the worst period of the recession. Not only, the sector has continued to generate good profits margins for dealers, authorized and private retailers right down to our days. The web represents the biggest news for the sector with change of ownerships constantly on the rise. In Italy, according to a research carried out by Doxa, the second-hand car market is worth 19 billion euro.

A futher increase in occupied surface area and exhibitors number, that will be 1,651 this year, with an even greater share of foreign companies. More than 120 institutional buyers will be arriving from over 30 countries, while over 100,000 visitors are expected, with a marked increase in international operators.
 

The European Commission recently launched the C-ITS project to study a “standard, interoperable and safe open-access platform”, and points to three possible solutions: an interoperable on-board OTP system (Open Telematics Platform), an advanced direct user-interface or IVI system (In-Vehicle Interface) and an external cloud-based platform (Extended Vehicle). But only one of these, according to AICA, can guarantee the creation and subsequent development of independent and competitive services.

According to forecasts provided by Autopromotec’s Observatory, within five years the European market will reach a turnover of over 48 billion euro, surpassing what is now to be considered the world's largest market, the US. Growth, though, will be staggering in all countries.

According to a research published by Information Trends, in 2032 vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells could amount to as many as 22.2 million. But reaching these volumes will largely depend on investments in innovation and technologies aimed at breaking down the production costs of hydrogen and create a capillary network of refueling stations.

The initiative for heavy vehicles represents an important part of the 2017 Bologna trade show, in a segment that is becoming increasingly strategic and competitive. A guide and exhibition space dedicated to the sector will facilitate the visit of the operators concerned.

In Hall 30, a virtual journey turns the spotlight on the repairs of tomorrow. An exclusive preview reflecting the profound changes that are redefining the car and the way it interacts with the outside world, with new technologies that will require independent workshops to make a significant leap in their mindsets to remain competitive.

The Italian Independent aftermarket is currently enjoying good health and closed last year with a positive sign. Apart from last year’s figures though, the whole supply chain is undergoing  a reorganization of relationships and partnerships between trading partners creating a new economic balance. According to the Polytechnic University of Turin and more specifically its research center for the automotive sector, a selection process favoring the most virtuous companies is currently taking place.
 

According to Giuseppe Barile, President of ANFIA Components Group, UK's exit from the single market will create some shock waves in the market. For Italian automotive companies this translates into 2.9 billion Euro in exports. "Knowing what will happen is still premature. Certainly, one thing to avoid is a return to the rules of the WTO, where 10% excise duty on cars and 4.5% on single components would be harmful".