Business decisions by automakers have a downstream influence on the aftermarket. The vehicles they choose to build have a profound influence on aftermarket decisions for parts, training, skills and innovation. EVs are a good example. Older EVs are coming out of warranty and entering the aftermarket – even as the market for new model EVs is uncertain. 

Conversely, the aftermarket also influences the automakers. The aftermarket is often the first to see design or engineering flaws, which leads them to create better parts (i.e., Dorman’s loaded knuckle for the F-150 cuts labor costs by ~75%). At the same time, many of the suppliers to the aftermarket also supply parts to automaker assembly lines.

This session will feature a well-rounded panel of automotive reporters who, based on their work, will discuss the trends they are seeing firsthand and how they influence each other.