As the EU sharpens its industrial strategy in response to global competition and geopolitical uncertainty, its competitiveness will also depend on the strength of resilient supply chains, particularly in the automotive industry sector.
Yet one essential part of this sector often remains overlooked — the Automotive Aftermarket.
Representing a €236 billion market in vehicle parts and labour, the Aftermarket is not a peripheral segment of the value chain, but a major economic force underpinning Europe’s mobility system and industrial base. With the launch of the We Drive EU campaign this June, a stakeholder coalition is calling for this sector to be fully recognised as a strategic pillar of Europe’s future.
A driving force for competitiveness and resilience
A strong, innovative Automotive Aftermarket is key to reinforcing Europe’s industrial strength: it keeps vehicles operational, safe, and efficient throughout their lifecycle, while supporting a dynamic and competitive market that fosters entrepreneurship, and technological progress across the value chain.
Today, around 900 thousand companies and their 3.2 million employees provide mobility solutions for 285 million vehicles in the EU, ensuring access to mobility anywhere, anytime
At the same time, the sector plays a critical role in strengthening Europe’s resilience. During recent crises, it enabled essential services and supply chains to continue functioning, keeping vehicles on the road when they were needed most.
Today, around 900 thousand companies and their 3.2 million employees provide mobility solutions for 285 million vehicles in the EU, ensuring access to mobility anywhere, anytime — a key asset in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Supporting communities and driving sustainability
Beyond its industrial role, the Automotive Aftermarket is deeply rooted in Europe’s communities. A vast ecosystem of SMEs and large European-based companies - from parts and tools producers, distributors to data publishers and repair workshops - supports local economies and guarantees mobility across all regions, including rural and remote areas.
The sector is also central to Europe’s sustainability ambitions. By extending the lifespan of vehicles through repair, reuse, and remanufacturing, it embeds circularity into the mobility system, reduces waste, and helps cut emissions linked to manufacturing. Achieving the Green Deal objectives will require precisely this lifecycle approach — one that values maintenance and longevity alongside innovation.
Keeping mobility affordable for Europeans
Mobility remains a cornerstone of everyday life in Europe, with 82% of inland passenger journeys made by car. Ensuring that this mobility remains accessible depends on fair and competitive repair markets, as well as efficient insurance and claims systems that help contain costs and return drivers to the road quickly after accidents. In 2024 alone, insurers managed €115 billion in claims across Europe.
Mobility remains a cornerstone of everyday life in Europe, with 82% of inland passenger journeys made by car
The Automotive Aftermarket safeguards consumer choice and helps keep repair costs affordable, enabling individuals, families, and businesses to continue to rely on road transport across Europe.
Time for recognition
As the EU defines the next generation of automotive and industrial policies, one thing is certain: competitiveness, resilience, sustainability, and affordability cannot be achieved without the Aftermarket.
The We Drive EU campaign is a call to position the Automotive Aftermarket firmly at the centre of Europe’s automotive industrial policy agenda.
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