Philippe Colpron sees the challenges of a changing aftermarket as extending beyond technology, as he explains in an exclusive interview with Gateway.
How do you see the global aftermarket evolving over the next decade? What are the most significant shifts will we see across the industry?
The global aftermarket will evolve considerably over the next decade impacted by technology, customer expectations and consequently the value we in the Aftermarket need to create for our customers.
The most significant shifts will occur due to increasing vehicle electrification, the growing role played by software and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the continued rise of vehicle connectivity. Add to this the digitization of channels, interfaces and marketplaces and the role that Big Data and AI are expected to play, and we will witness a step-change in how value is perceived in the aftermarket by customers and society at large.
With the fast introduction of new technologies and the growing expectations that come with it, the role of the Aftermarket will have to evolve from what used to sometimes be reactive or opportunistic to a cohesive ecosystem enabling seamless mobility. These changes will impact the service needs of the industry, requiring new skill sets to provide customers with tailored smarter products and services while ensuring geographical coverage, availability and local market proximity.
At ZF Aftermarket, everything we do is intended towards bringing solutions for our customers’ needs. We Maximize Mobility Uptime with a clear strategy based on our three key pillars. Firstly, by deepening the strength and trust in our partnerships with distributors, workshops and fleets. Secondly, by offering high quality, innovative products and ensuring access to the entire breadth and depth of our solutions portfolio. And finally, by orchestrating ecosystem solutions to drive a well-knit, proactive and integrated aftermarket. Together, these pillars ensure that we meet the demands of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
At ZF Aftermarket, we aim to support our customers by providing solutions that help them to succeed and overcome challenges.Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket
What strategic actions should your customers take now to stay ahead of these changes and remain competitive in the future aftermarket landscape?
Our customers provide a key role in keeping people and goods moving, and they all face varying challenges. These spread across technology evolution, regulatory frameworks, sustainability and many others and the complexity continues to evolve yearly. At ZF Aftermarket we aim at being the ‘partner of choice’, supporting our customers with solutions that help them to succeed in their respective areas and overcome challenges they face. As the needs of our customers evolve, so will our solutions.
In order to support our Distributors in their mission to deliver the right part at the right time to their customers, we aim to develop best-in-class logistics capabilities across our full portfolio, which has an unmatched breadth and depth in terms of product range, application coverage and vehicle segments. We also put in place programs to help workshops gain access to the latest technologies and software, complemented by extensive technical support, professional training, advanced diagnostic tools, and online data to enable them to stay competitive and grow. And for fleet operators, we keep expanding and improving the quality of our global service network, equipping them with innovative technologies and connected data services helping them optimize asset utilization, reduce operational costs, and ensure timely deliveries.
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