Body parts market regains its dynamism, but not as much as mechanics
Europe is regaining goods and passenger transportation. In many countries the number of road trips have reached their pre-pandemic level. With this growth, there has been an increase in accident rates, with more paint and body repairs and also more sales in the amount of parts needed for these repairs. For example, in Italy, body part sales have increased 15,6% in 2021.
According to the Barometer Aftermarket carried out by ANFIA, Associazione Nazionale Filiera Industria Automobilistica, sales of parts for vehicle repairs increased an average of 22,4% in Italy in 2021, including all products. However, this dynamism was slightly smaller in the case of body repair, much more affected by mobility restrictions, still in place last year around the country, which significantly reduced accident rates.
ANFIA states that the growth in body parts was 15,6% last year, 6,8 points lower than the average for parts in general and almost 16 points below the recovery experienced by engine repairs. Average repair parts sales are 4,8% higher than in 2019. However, the strong recovery of the body parts market in 2021 does not compensate for a 45,1% drop in 2020. Between 2017 and 2021, the repair part market in Italy decreased 31,1%, while the average for all parts increased 8,5%.
According to Paolo Vasone, Coordinator of the Aftermarket Section of Components Group in ANFIA, the transition phase is far from over. “In order to continue with this recovery trend, the aftermarket sector must face the necessary transformations and investments -also creating new competences- demanded by the great challenges of this moment. It must be open to alliances with other subjects and take advantage of the opportunities linked to the digital and green transformation that we are experiencing, while paying special attention to the implications of the mobility electrifying process in the automobile’s maintenance and repair sector. It is essential to work on the offerings, increasing the range of products and services and supporting competitiveness, flexibility and added value”.