Automotive Aftermarket in Fast
Lane with e-Commerce
Selling mechanical parts online has never been easy but it is becoming increasingly inevitable to
have online presence for Automotive Aftermarket players such as Parts Sellers, Retailers and etailers. With changing consumer behavior and the emergence of Do-it-yourself (DIY) economy,
automotive aftermarket players are actively positioning their business towards e-commerce.
A vast majority of the aftermarket business is focused on replacement parts, which allows vehicle
owners to maintain their vehicles longer with greater efficiency. This phenomenon holds true in case
of sluggish economic growth where vehicle owners prefer to repair their old car instead of buying a
new one. This premise has created a lucrative opportunity for Aftermarket players to build a more
robust e-commerce strategy.
Compared to other automotive consumer products, the penetration of e-commerce for parts is less.
Undoubtedly, the aftermarket is evolving at a fast pace and has realized the benefits of fast-growing
ecommerce channel. As Technavio depicts, “Global e-commerce sales for the automotive
aftermarket are projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 18.9% from 2017 to 2022, reaching
$49.5 billion in 2022”.
With the rise of convenience economy coupled with fast internet connectivity and smartphone
penetration, Automotive customers prefer shopping for vehicle parts online. No surprise that this ecommerce drive for selling auto parts is led by giants such as Amazon and eBay by building and
deploying intuitive, technologically robust and scalable shops. Amazon, over the years, has been
able to deliver value for consumers by deploying concepts such as “same-day delivery” in major
cities allowing them to capture a large market share from automotive parts sellers and other outlets
that cater to price-sensitive do-it-yourself (DIY) vehicle owners, including gas stations, mass
merchants, and local hardware stores.
To compete with the bigwigs, traditional retail chains and distributors are actively extending their
cataloguing features and capabilities to attract vehicle owners. These retailers also have to compete
against the learner, fitter pure-play e-tailers with streamline supply chains and price discounts at
their disposal. However, in order to counter the threat of e-tailers, traditional retailers can rely on
their brick-and-mortar presence to fulfil ‘Last Mile Delivery’, considered as the holy grail in
distribution channel.
Additionally, these retailers have realized that they need to deploy a comprehensive e-commerce
strategy in which online convenience enhances the in-store customer experience and leverages the
distribution network and in-store employee expertise. However, the most critical element in
achieving success and bringing more vehicle owners to your web shop is your ability to achieve parts
accuracy. In a hyperactive competitive environment where incentive for users to switch to
competitors’ web shop is enormous and churn rate is piling up, it is imperative that these retailers
are able to enhance search criteria to display the most accurate and relevant spare parts to vehicle
owners.
2
https://autodap.parts/
© AutoDAP
Typically, demand for complex mechanical parts or components such as powertrains or disc brakes
etc. is lower compared to easy to deploy parts and vehicle accessories. On top of that, users do not
have adequate technical knowledge to determine the right part for their vehicle. Additionally, the
weight of many mechanical parts can increase the shipping costs.
Owing to these challenges and opportunities, e-commerce is the future for the automotive
aftermarket, which is estimated to contribute 10–15% of the overall aftermarket revenue in North
American and Europe by 2020.
AutoDAP, a Smart Data solution platform is poised to help the automotive aftermarket transition in
their digital transformation journey. With decades of Automotive experience and unique
understanding of the European automotive market, we help businesses transform faster by
minimizing risks and improving profitability. Parts Sellers, Concept Workshops, Dismantlers, Insurers
and Used Cars dealers can lookup car specs by VIN number and derive parts information accurately.
To learn more or for a quick product demonstration, you can contact us at info@autodap.parts or
visit us at www.autodap.parts
3
https://autodap.parts/
© AutoDAP
Exact Vehicle Identification
European HQ
Maria Montessorilaan 3,
2719 DB Zoetermeer,
The Netherlands
Platform
Global
HQ
B/81, Corporate House,
Judges Bunglow Road,
Bodakdev, Ahmedabad - 380054. India.
Phone : +91 79 2685 2554/ 55/ 56
E-mail : info@autodap.parts
Website : https://autodap.parts/
Confidentiality Clause:
This document and any files with it are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, please destroy all copies of the document. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, dissemination,
forwarding, printing or copying of this document or any action taken in reliance on this document is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
Copyright © Gateway Group
4
https://autodap.parts/
© AutoDAP