The automotive aftermarket is entering a new era of rapid transformation—and with it comes significant opportunity for those ready to adapt.
According to recent forecasts, by the end of 2025, there will be approximately 245 million out-of-warranty vehicles on the road in mainland China alone. That’s nearly 72% of the total vehicle population—a staggering opportunity for parts suppliers, service providers, and repair professionals in the aftermarket space.
But beyond the numbers, the aftermarket is being reshaped by powerful forces: electrification, connectivity, shifting regulations, and evolving consumer expectations.
Global Growth, Local Challenges
The global vehicles-in-operation (VIO) landscape is expected to reach 1.7 billion light vehicles and 85 million commercial vehicles by 2033. This surge is driven by increased vehicle durability, especially in fast-growing regions like China and India. These markets are rapidly expanding their automotive footprint and are becoming key battlegrounds for aftermarket innovation.
Yet, each region presents distinct dynamics. In Europe, supportive legislation fosters a thriving independent aftermarket (IAM), while in North America, OEMs still dominate. Understanding and adapting to these local nuances is critical for businesses seeking global growth.
Electrification: The Tipping Point
By the end of 2025, the global electric vehicle (EV) population is projected to surpass 56 million units, marking a 47% increase over 2022. This explosive growth is rewriting the rulebook for maintenance and repair.
EVs—and increasingly, CASE vehicles (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electrified)—require new tools, training, and parts. The third generation of connected car services is expected to launch by 2030, embedding software updates and diagnostics deeply into vehicle maintenance routines.
For the aftermarket, this shift means one thing: evolve or be left behind.
Technology Driving Tomorrow’s Service Models
As vehicles become smarter, aftermarket providers must keep pace. Features like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), over-the-air (OTA) updates, and predictive maintenance algorithms are now integral to vehicle performance and safety.
Technicians must be trained not only to replace components, but also to calibrate sensors, interpret diagnostic data, and manage software-driven systems. Independent providers that invest in this knowledge will be best positioned to compete in a more complex service environment.
Right to Repair and the Shifting Regulatory Landscape
The global right-to-repair movement continues to gain momentum, with new legislation in many regions giving IAM players greater access to OEM data and tools. This democratization of repair information is vital as vehicle complexity increases.
However, regulations remain uneven across regions. Businesses must remain agile—staying informed of legislative changes and strategically adapting operations to maintain competitiveness across markets.
How Litens Supports the Future of Aftermarket
At Litens, we understand the profound changes reshaping the aftermarket—and we’re ready.
Our innovative product portfolio is engineered to support the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s vehicles, including hybrid and electric powertrains. With decades of engineering expertise and a commitment to quality, we offer OE-level solutions that help aftermarket professionals deliver reliable, high-performance repairs—across traditional and electrified platforms.
Our global reach, combined with deep market insights, enables us to anticipate trends and deliver tailored solutions to our partners around the world.
The road ahead is electrified, connected, and constantly evolving. Litens is here to help you navigate it.
Let’s shape the future of the aftermarket—together.
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