Auto Care Association, the voice of the USD 392 billion auto care industry, provides advocacy, education, networking, market intelligence, technology standards and communication resources to its member companies. The estimated global automotive aftermarket across all vehicle classes is USD 1.77 trillion. The United States accounts for USD 405 billion. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4 percent and reach USD 448 billion in 2022. This growth will be fuelled by the increase in the miles driven, the average age of vehicles and in the number of vehicles above 12 years which was 43 percent of all light vehicles in 2019. 

Challenges keep mounting with the multiplicity of disruptions in the automotive space, and with the OEM technologies that make customers depend on their supply chain, products or preferred service centres. Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of Auto Care Association, told T Murrali in an exclusive interview that “Just as the aftermarket continues to evolve through technology advancements, we will continue to help the industry to go forward. The moment we hear about potential new disruptions, our teams will gear up to get the right information, educate the industry, and work with partners to develop solutions, through standards, training, legislation, data and intelligence.” The excerpts:- 

Q: Globally, the automotive industry has been facing several disruptive technologies like the emergence of alternative and autonomous vehicles. How will these influence your members and how will Auto Care Association guide them to deal with the situation?

Hanvey: There have been disruptive technologies in our industry all the way from the key ignition rather than a crank start. Electronic fuel injection was also predicted to be our demise, but guess what, our industry has adapted and thrived with each technological challenge. Currently, ADAS systems, embedded and encrypted software, and telematics are the biggest disruptors on the horizon for our industry. Where some of these technologies differ from those in the past is that many of them require either legislation or regulation in order to standardize repair procedures.

The Auto Care Association has invested heavily on our government affairs and emerging technology teams to meet these and future challenges. We are developing and driving the adoption of the secure vehicle interface to access data cyber-securely utilizing ISO standards and working with industry experts to develop standards to align and repair ADAS systems.   

Q: With the popularity of electric vehicles, there will be far-reaching consequences. They will eliminate about 30 percent (in terms of value) of components that go into the traditional vehicles hauled by Internal Combustions engines. This will definitely affect the aftermarket and service centres. How do you see this emerging scenario and what do you think are the ways out for the industry? 

Hanvey: While EVs are certainly the wave of the future, they still represent less than 2 percent of the total vehicles in the US. Forecasts for 2030 show less than 5 percent of the VIO will be electric. Most of the changes will be seen in the adaptation of the internal combustion engine such as start-stop technologies and the use of turbochargers and upgraded transmissions to deliver power from smaller-sized engines. The maintenance and repair of true EVs will see a dramatic shift in the way we currently associate car repair and most of these repairs will be on the software updates and will require technicians with completely different skill sets.   

Q: How do you see the expansion of the DIY segment with the disruptions in the automotive industry?

Hanvey: No matter the disruptor, there have always been DIYers to find and implement solutions. That’s one of the things I love about this industry – where there are enthusiasts, there’s innovation. And there will always be automotive enthusiasts and people willing to tinker with their vehicles, which is great for us.

Q: The industry you represent has been facing threats from international free trade. Can you explain the current challenges on this front and your plan to interfere in favour of the industry?  The automotive industry in the US has also been encountering several challenges on account of wide ranging tariffs and regulatory shifts. What, according to you, is the way out for the industry? Can you share with us your initiatives to resolve these issues?  

Hanvey: Our priority is to ensure that the Trump administration does not move forward with the proposed Section 232 Tariffs on imported autos and auto parts. Such action would be disastrous for the US auto care industry. An Auto Care Association study has found that 25 percent tariff on auto parts would result in the loss of over 100,000 US jobs throughout the supply chain. Additional studies assert that the US consumers would pay USD 7,000 more for a new vehicle and their annual cost of ownership would increase by USD 700. We are an active member of the Driving American Jobs coalition, which has been pressurising the administration and Congress to ensure these tariffs never go into effect.

The auto care industry supports efforts to deal with China’s unfair trade practices, particularly related to intellectual property and forced technology transfer; however, China remains a critical trading partner in our global supply chain and the ongoing trade war only harms our members and the US consumers. Our distributor and retail members have already begun to pass the costs of these tariffs to consumers, raising prices and forcing drivers to defer critical safety-related service. Furthermore, while some members have been able to identify alternative suppliers in other countries, certain safety-related products such as aftermarket brake rotors are almost exclusively manufactured in China. Moving production back to the US or to another country is both time and cost-prohibitive. Supply chain decisions must be made with absolute certainty, and currently, given the volatility of our international trade policy, there is none.

The Auto Care Association frequently testifies on the trade issue before Congress and the administration. In addition, we recently welcomed 300 of our members to Washington, D.C. to meet face-to-face with the members of Congress and communicate our industry’s trade positions. Due to widespread industry opposition to the US’ current strategy, our hope is that our ongoing efforts will scale back detrimental trade policies or at least prevent any future tariff increase.

Q: Auto Care Association has set up standards to enable exchange of information. How is it helping your members and the end-users?  

Hanvey: ACES (Aftermarket Catalogue Exchange Standard) is compiling an electronic catalogue with high-quality, consistent content about thousands of product-lines possible and efficient. Using ACES, suppliers can describe vehicle configuration with valid database values. Suppliers can define product terminology with a database of product names, all in a computer-readable format, for the exchange of this information from supplier to receiver.

PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) defines the rules for managing elements of product information, product images, product attributes and also the format of the information and the valid values. With PIES, customers and those in the distribution chain will know what a product looks like, what it weighs, the size of the box and how many are packed inside, the length of the warranty, the country of origin, the performance attributes, and much more.

Together, these standards enable auto care businesses across the globe get the right product, to the right place, at the right time, with predictable results, faster innovation and lower costs. The most widely used standards in North America, ACES and PIES, are now available in Chile and Colombia.

We have also introduced a new product called UniLink that allows you to map a part to a vehicle platform rather than a ‘year-make-model’ enabling you to determine globally what parts fit where and in what country. This significantly reduces product management time and effort for product research around the globe. 

Q: How do you see the growth of the US aftermarket vis-à-vis the global aftermarket industry?

Hanvey: We collaborated with Hanover Research this year to estimate the global aftermarket for passenger cars, light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles. The estimated global automotive aftermarket across all vehicle classes is USD 1.77 trillion. With the US representing USD 405 billion and projected to be USD 448 billion in 2022, the US accounts for over 25 percent of the entire world’s aftermarket ecosystem.

Q: What are the initiatives taken by the Auto Care Association to support this growth trend?

Hanvey: Because we know that the industry and the businesses within it are not bound by walls, borders or even class of vehicles, the association expands its benefits and resources to help anyone in the auto care industry to take advantage of these trends:

a) Auto care businesses are looking for data to make better business decisions, particularly, how products are selling compared to the market, identifying shifts in demand, category performance and sales forecasting. In response, we launched Demand Index to help companies know how their products are performing against the market. autocare.org/demandindex  

b) Optimizing the supply chain, reducing costs and research time continues to be a need in the industry as well. Many businesses spend countless hours and dollars identifying which of the products they sell fit vehicles worldwide. In response, this year, we debuted UniLink to create those connections. autocare.org/unilink

c)     We know that many businesses don’t just dabble in light, medium and heavy duty classes, so we launched Off-Highway and Equipment Data in VCdb to help those businesses sell those parts more efficiently for segments like agriculture, construction, marine, railway, and more.

Q: What is your outlook for the growth of the aftermarket in the next five years?

Hanvey: This USD 405 billion industry in 2019 is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4 percent and reach USD 448 billion in 2022. This growth will be fuelled by a gradually increasing number of miles driven, the increasing average age of vehicles and the growth of vehicle population in the 12 year and older category, which represented 43 percent of total light vehicles in 2019. Motorists recognize that vehicles are engineered to last longer and are willing to take advantage of the cost of vehicle maintenance and repair vs the cost of purchasing a new vehicle. Interesting but not surprising to note is that the 5-year forecast of CAGR for most auto care sales show forecast in the high 2 and 3 percent, while electronic shopping is projected at 8.6 percent.

Q: Can you tell us about the ‘Be Car Care Aware’ campaign and how it has evolved since introduction in educating consumers? What are the products in focus now?

Hanvey: The Car Care Council (and its `Be Car Care Aware’ campaign) announced early this year an agreement with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) and the Asociación Nacional de Representantes, Importadores y Distribuidores de Refacciones y Accesorios para Automóviles, A.C. (ARIDRA) to create Car Care Council North America to direct the ‘Be Car Care Aware’ consumer education campaign in the US, Canada and Mexico. Car Care Council North America builds on the positive reputation and image of the current Car Care Council that has been funded and directed by the Auto Care Association for nearly 20 years as a credible source of information about the benefits of vehicle maintenance, care and repair. As everyone working in the global auto care industry knows, proper vehicle maintenance is a universal issue and a challenge that has no borders. Expanding the Car Care Council initiatives in Canada and Mexico was a logical next step in educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle upkeep.

Q: A Few years ago the 15 year or older vehicles were the fastest growing segment in the US. What is the current status and how has it changed the business for your members?  

Hanvey: Evidence of the aging light vehicle continues. Vehicles in the 12+ year old category now comprise 44.3 percent of total light vehicles (up from 32.3 percent in 2009) and is growing at a five-year CAGR of 4 percent.

Q: Could you update on Auto Care Association’s working model of the secure vehicle interface that allows access to the vehicle’s data at a point in the vehicle?

Hanvey: The automakers have pushed back on the aftermarkets need to access vehicle data and state that we need to come up with a safe, secure and standardized method for access to vehicle data. Well - guess what - talk about meeting the tech challenges of our industry today; we had working examples at AAPEX 2019 in the Emerging Technologies booth. There, attendees were able to view a demo of the Secure Vehicle Interface, implementations of recently-approved international standards and how consumers could control to whom their vehicle data was sent.

Q: What is the update on the association approaching OEMs to share telematics data?

Hanvey: Despite attempts to negotiate a settlement by the Auto Care Association and others, no such agreement has been reached to resolve the data access/control issue with the OEMs. 

Q: Emulating the tagline, ‘Independence Drives Us,’ your members have been independent and did not rely on the OE to perform vehicle repairs. With lot of disruptions in the automotive space, do you see this as a challenge? If so, what are the initiatives taken by Auto Care Association to mitigate these issues?

Hanvey: It continues to be a challenge as OEMs create technologies that create dependence on their supply chains, products and preferred service centres. But just as the aftermarket has continued to evolve throughout technology advancements, we will continue to help the industry do the same, now and in the future. The moment we hear about potential new disruptors is the moment our teams  mobilize to get the right information, educate the industry, and work with partners to develop solutions, whether it’s standards, or training, or legislation, or data and intelligence. This is why we do what we do; we want to allow free competition, choice, and a fair playing field for generations to come. (MT)

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has established a new corporate benchmark by servicing over 28.4 million vehicles across its domestic network in FY2025–26. This represents the highest annual service load handled by the carmaker since its inception.

The volume throughput was sustained by an expansive retail and aftersales infrastructure consisting of 5,926 service touchpoints across India. To accommodate evolving powertrain architectures and growing volume requirements, Maruti Suzuki India has outlined a long-term network expansion roadmap targeting the establishment of approximately 8,000 active service touchpoints by FY2030–31.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Achieving our highest‑ever annual service load is a significant milestone and reflects the trust customers place in Maruti Suzuki’s after‑sales capabilities. I would also like to thank our channel partners for their continued commitment and tireless efforts, which have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

“High-quality after-sales service is essential for maintaining vehicle health and ensuring optimal performance throughout its lifecycle. It plays a key role in building long-term customer confidence and strengthening brand loyalty. Since our inception, we have consistently believed that our service footprint should remain ahead of sales. As vehicle technologies advance and customer expectations continue to evolve, we remain committed to expanding our service footprint and introducing innovative service formats to address diverse customer needs more efficiently. By FY 2030-31, we aim to establish about 8,000 service touchpoints,” he added.

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STUDDS Accessories has launched the Helios Effect, a new graphic decal edition of its flagship full-face helmet at INR 3,445. The model joins the existing Helios lineup, which includes the Unicolor, D1 Asphalt, D2 Circuit and Superman Edition variants.

The Helios platform was initially developed for Southeast Asian markets – debuting first in the Philippines, before expanding to Colombia, Mexico and subsequently India. The new ‘Effect’ variant updates the visual design with a hard-edged, polygonal graphic pattern inspired by modern sports car panels and performance motorcycle fairings.

The helmet is constructed from an injection-moulded, high-impact engineering thermoplastic shell paired with an integrated rear aerodynamic spoiler to manage wind resistance. The complete assembly weighs 1,400 grams.

Safety and impact management are handled by a regulated-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) inner liner designed to distribute impact forces across distinct zones. The helmet carries dual safety compliance certification, meeting the Bureau of Indian Standards ISI index (IS 4151) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS No. 218 standards.

The Helios Effect features a silicone-coated dual-visor system that pairs a clear outer visor with a drop-down, smoked inner sun shield. The outer visor is fitted with an AntiFog100 film designed to prevent condensation for up to 100 seconds. Visor removal and cleaning are handled via a toolless, one-touch quick-release mechanism.

The helmet incorporates a front-to-rear dynamic ventilation network, featuring intake and exhaust ports integrated directly into the shell moulding to maintain uniform airflow.

The interior design includes hypoallergenic lining, cataphote retro-reflective padding, eyeglass EasyFit, speaker pockets and retention system.

The variant is being rolled out across traditional brick-and-mortar dealerships and dedicated STUDDS retail outlets, with online marketplace distribution currently in development. It is available in three sizing options – Medium (57 cm), Large (58 cm) and Extra-Large (60 cm) across matte and gloss treatments.

The product launches with six distinct graphic colour configurations – Black & Chameleon Blue, Black & Red, Black Grey & Red, Black White & Red, Black & Grey and Black Blue & White.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS Accessories, said, "The Helios has been an important model for us, both in international markets where it first found its audience and in India where it has built genuine momentum. It was designed for riders who want a full-face helmet that does not compromise on features or protection and that is what it has consistently delivered. The Helios Effect gives that same product a more expressive graphic identity."

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Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Tata Motors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a pilot project for the collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants.

The partnership seeks to establish an organised collection and transport system for used lubricants, which are classified as hazardous waste. Under the agreement, the collected waste oil will be sent to registered facilities for re-refining into base oil. This initiative is designed to support compliance with India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and reduce the environmental hazards associated with improper oil disposal.

The pilot program will be introduced across selected states and will be monitored by a joint committee composed of representatives from both companies. HPCL will manage the aggregation and logistics of the waste oil through its established collection mechanisms. Tata Motors will utilise its network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints across the country to collect used lubricants from vehicles during maintenance.

Ch Srinivas, Executive Director of Lubes at HPCL, said, "Achieving true circularity in used oil begins with reintegrating re-refined base oil into finished lubricants. Our collaboration with Tata Motors is a significant step towards building a scalable model for used oil circularity and reducing the carbon footprint across operations."

Vikram Agrawal, Head of Parts and Services, Tata Motors, said, "Used automotive lubricant, if not handled responsibly, can cause long‑term environmental harm. Addressing this challenge calls for credible partners, clear processes and the ability to operate at scale. HPCL has been a trusted partner to Tata Motors across multiple dimensions, and this collaboration allows us to take a meaningful step towards organised and responsible recycling. With the combined strengths of both organisations, we believe this pilot can help establish a robust foundation for wider industry adoption."

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Automechanika Dubai, one of the leading automotive aftermarket exhibitions, has announced that its 2026 edition will move to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City. The event is scheduled to take place from 10–12 November 2026, marking a shift from its previous venue to accommodate growth in the automotive aftermarket sector.

The relocation follows the 2025 edition, which recorded 50,308 visitors and 2,273 exhibitors. The new venue at DEC will offer 110,000 sqm of space, allowing for more international pavilions and product sections. The site is located near Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, aligning with the D33 economic agenda to enhance Dubai's role as a logistics hub.

Market analysis suggests the Middle East and Africa automotive aftermarket will reach a value of USD 87 billion by 2034. This growth is linked to an increase in vehicle numbers, digitalisation of supply chains, and electrification. Several companies, including Hankook & Company, Hanon Systems and National Paints, have confirmed participation for the 2026 event.

Tommy Le, Show Manager, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Our move to the Dubai Exhibition Centre in 2026 is closely aligned with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which places trade, investment and global competitiveness at the heart of the Emirate’s long-term vision. As the future epicentre for mega events and international business gatherings, DEC represents the next phase of Dubai’s evolution as a world-leading exhibition and logistics hub.”

The 2026 exhibition will maintain its focus on sustainability, electrification, and innovation. Features such as Innovation4Mobility, Fleet FWD and the Automechanika Dubai Awards will continue at the new location to support knowledge exchange and industry partnerships.

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