At the ZF Aftermarket booth at AAPEX, the replacement parts supplier offered several new products, but also a comprehensive view of the future of the automotive aftermarket.

ZF Aftermarket took advantage of its presence at the AAPEX Show to present several new product lines added to its catalog. Door window mechanisms, tailgate shock absorbers and a line of electric vehicle lubricants were among the products now available to automotive aftermarkets.

However, Autosphere.ca, during its visit to the manufacturer’s booth, had the opportunity to speak with Philippe Colpron, Global Aftermarket Manager for ZF Aftermarket. Based in Europe, Colpron explained how his company is capturing the major trends in the automotive industry and positioning itself to ensure that aftermarket shops will be able to embrace them. “We understand that there is currently a fear for independent shops facing the technology shift negotiated by automakers,” explains Colpron. “Connectivity, the autonomous and shared vehicle as well as the electric vehicle and the vision of sustainable mobility represent challenges for this sector. What we want to do as a company is to help ensure we have the ability to service vehicles both on the road and in development.”

Parts and training

As the aftermarket specialist explains, the future of aftermarket shops lies in the availability of replacement parts for new generation vehicles, but also in the advanced training that will enable them to provide maintenance and repair services. “Just because a car is 100% electric doesn’t mean it won’t require maintenance,” he says. “Auto mechanics know the suspension, steering or braking systems similar to what they have always maintained. The challenge is to take it to the next level by now assimilating all the smarter electronics. Since we work with the automakers, we’re well positioned to help independent shops with this transition.”

ZF Aftermarket already offers online technical support for its products and wants to continue to promote the sharing of digital vehicle data, especially for remote diagnosis and preventive maintenance with independent workshops.