The roar of internal combustion engines is slowly giving way to the quiet hum of electric motors, and the automotive aftermarket is in the midst of its most dramatic transformation in a century, according to an industry leader.
However, the way Randy Breaux, former group president of GPC North America, sees it, this evolution is more of a gradual journey rather than a sudden revolution. The generational shift is particularly notable. Younger consumers are more likely to embrace technological changes, whether that’s electric powertrains, autonomous driving or entirely new transportation concepts.
“The younger generation will accept changes that the older generation won’t,” he observed during the NAPA Now event in Las Vegas, pointing to the generational divide driving technological innovation.
The shift towards electric vehicles has been both slower and more nuanced than many predicted. Breaux believes hybrids, not pure electric vehicles, might be the more realistic near-term future. “I think you’ll see more hybrids in the future than pure EVs,” he explained, as they appear to be a more palatable option to the motoring public.
But gas-powered vehicles aren’t disappearing anytime soon. “The internal combustion engine will be around for a long time,” Breaux noted, “and there will be plenty of opportunities for growth.”
Perhaps the most intriguing prediction involves autonomous vehicles. Breaux, who stayed on with NAPA to assist with the transition to former UAP president Alain Masse, suggested that luxury car manufacturers are unlikely to rebrand their marketing. They sell on the thrill of driving their vehicles.
“Is BMW going to change their slogan one day to — instead of being the ultimate driving experience — being the ultimate riding experience with an autonomous vehicle?” he asked rhetorically.
The potential for autonomous vehicles is significant. Breaux sees a future where vehicles with advanced sensors and complex technological systems could fundamentally change how we think about transportation. He suggested this transformation could happen in the next decade or even sooner.
For traditional parts distributors like NAPA, adaptation is key. The company is already preparing for technological shifts by understanding emerging vehicle components, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles. They’re investing in understanding cooling systems, battery components and other specialized EV parts.
“Whatever the case is, the NAPA business will follow that industry, and in some cases, we may lead in that area as technology takes us to the next level,” Breaux said.
As the automotive world continues to evolve, Breaux noted that one thing is for sure: The journey ahead for the aftermarket promises to be an exciting and transformative one.
Image credit: Depositphotos.com
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