The UK’s independent aftermarket continues to adapt to changing market conditions as 2025 unfolds. Independent garages are navigating technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and economic uncertainties while seeking to maintain their competitive position in the automotive service sector.
CAT speaks to Chris Jones, head of network and business operations at Eurorepar Car Service – the all-makes garage initiative run by Stellantis. Here he gives his thoughts on how workshops can successfully combine growth and change in today's changing automotive landscape.
Shifting sands
There’s a marked shift in the repair landscape says Jones. “While independents have traditionally formed the backbone of vehicle maintenance for older vehicles, this position faces mounting pressure from multiple directions as the automotive landscape transforms. The consolidation trend continues, with larger groups acquiring successful independent operations to expand their footprints.
"At the same time, franchised dealers are diversifying their service offerings to include post-warranty maintenance, drawing on their established manufacturer connections and specialised diagnostic equipment to provide comprehensive service packages throughout a vehicle's lifecycle. The independent sector's strength has always been its agility and customer relationships”. But, stresses Jones “today's market demands those attributes be paired with sophisticated technical capabilities and efficient business operations”.
Independents need help – if they are to remain independent
Eurorepar Car Service's scored a milestone earlier this year by signing up its 300th member and Jones says it exemplifies this point that independents increasingly recognise the value accessing the resources of a larger organisation if they want to continue maintaining their entrepreneurial spirit.
“Throughout the market, network models vary widely – from loose affiliations offering primarily marketing support to more comprehensive partnerships providing technical training, parts distribution advantages, and consumer-facing warranty programmes. The Brakes for Life initiative offered by Eurorepar serves as an example of how lifetime replacement guarantees on critical components can help independents build customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive landscape.
“Independent garage owners report that such value-added services provide crucial differentiation when competing with rival workshops. Programmes like Brakes for Life can transform routine maintenance into relationship-building opportunities. This sentiment reflects a broader industry recognition that customer retention strategies are essential in today's market.”
Staying ahead of the curve
One of the biggest problems independent face is keeping pace with rapidly evolving vehicle technology. The acceleration of electric vehicle adoption, increasingly sophisticated ADAS, and the growing importance of software updates present a steep learning curve and substantial investment requirements admits Jones. “Independent garage owners consistently cite technology adaptation as their primary concern for the coming years. While network membership often provides access to technical training programmes, the capital expenditure required to service modern vehicles continues to rise, placing pressure on independents' financial resources.
“The Right to Repair movement has gained momentum across Europe, with the UK's post-Brexit regulatory environment still evolving in terms of how it will ensure independents can access the technical information needed to service modern vehicles. Networks like Eurorepar are addressing this challenge by expanding technical training opportunities for members, with particular focus on electric vehicle diagnostics and maintenance”.
Navigating economic headwinds
The turmoil created by Trump’s tariffs shows just how adversely markets can be affected at short notice. Global trade developments and changing international relations could significantly impact parts pricing across the supply chain. “While certain trade measures primarily target specific regions, the integrated nature of global manufacturing means European and UK-based parts suppliers may also face increased costs,” warns Jones.
“Supply chain disruptions, while less severe than during the pandemic years, continue to create stock availability challenges. Parts distributors report that successful independents are adapting by diversifying their supplier relationships and improving inventory management systems. Meanwhile, inflation continues to squeeze consumer spending, with vehicle maintenance often viewed as a discretionary expense that can be deferred. This economic reality requires garages to balance competitive pricing with sustainable business practices and it’s a delicate balance that is testing business models across the sector”.
Looking ahead
Despite these challenges, the independent aftermarket sector remains fundamentally strong and Jones remains optimistic over its future, helped by an ageing vehicle parc that is creating natural demand for maintenance and repair services. “Additionally, the post-warranty vehicle segment offers substantial opportunities as consumers seek alternatives to franchised dealer networks. Industry observers suggest that successful independents will increasingly adopt dual strategies, such as specialising in particular vehicle types or repair categories while simultaneously building recurring revenue through service plans and extended warranty offerings. This approach is already proving successful for forward-thinking garages within networks such as Eurorepar, where combining technical expertise with business support yields measurable results”.
“As we move through 2025, the independent aftermarket continues to adapt and evolve. While the challenges are substantial, so too are the opportunities for those who embrace change while maintaining their entrepreneurial spirit. Through collective action and individual excellence, the independent aftermarket will continue to play a vital role in the UK's automotive ecosystem”.
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