Investigation: Workshop Collaboration between Incinerator Facility and Electric Mobility Industry
In a survey conducted by Meyle and Innofact, it was revealed that **53% of independent workshops in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland plan to continue focusing on internal combustion engines (ICE) in the future**[1]. This finding suggests that while the importance of electromobility is growing, a significant portion of these workshops remain committed to servicing and maintaining traditional combustion engines.
The survey, part of Meyle's IAM:CONNECT initiative, aims to better understand the market dynamics, motivations, expectations, and challenges faced by independent workshops in the DACH region as they transition towards future mobility solutions[1]. The results indicate a transitional phase in the independent automotive aftermarket (IAM), with rapid change being driven by the rise of electric vehicles.
However, ICE vehicles still account for a significant part of the workshops' business outlook. Despite this, **40.4% of workshops focusing on e-mobility aim to tap into new customer groups**, suggesting a gradual rather than abrupt shift in workshop specialization within the IAM sector.
The survey also highlighted that while many workshops are optimizing their established business, others are pioneering the future market in e-mobility. However, **only 16% of workshops have invested in corresponding training**, and **many workshops lack the technical equipment or are hesitant about the investment costs related to e-mobility**.
On the other hand, **37% of workshops need technical training from parts manufacturers**, and **47% of workshops demand diagnostic tools and repair instructions from parts manufacturers**. This indicates a need for support from the industry to help workshops adapt to the changing landscape.
Patrick Stüdemann, Head of Technical Training at Meyle, commented that the division of the industry presents an opportunity for those with a clear strategy. He further stated that workshops that do not make a conscious decision now risk being overtaken by both sides in a few years[1].
The survey also revealed that **36.2% of these workshops are preparing for the expected market growth in e-mobility**. **31.9% of workshops expect competitive advantages by focusing on e-mobility**, while **around 40% of these workshops see insufficient demand for e-services**.
Meyle sees itself as a bridge builder, supporting workshops in successfully pursuing their chosen path, whether it be in ICE or electromobility. The survey results underscore the need for such support as the IAM sector navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to future mobility solutions.
[1] Source: Meyle and Innofact's survey on independent workshops in the DACH region.
Despite the growth of electromobility, 40.4% of workshops focusing on e-mobility aim to tap into new customer groups, indicating a gradual rather than abrupt shift in specialization within the independent automotive aftermarket (IAM) sector. On the other hand, while 37% of workshops need technical training from parts manufacturers, 47% of workshops demand diagnostic tools and repair instructions from them, highlighting a need for support from the industry to help workshops adapt to the changing landscape of technology in sports (automotive industry).
