European component makers are returning to invest in talent and technology for the growth of ACES vehicles

The growth of what is known as ACES trends that anticipate the future of automobility (autonomous, connected, electric and shared vehicles) with a foreseeable impact in the garage/shop activity (with fewer repairs but of a higher price), has been conditioned by the economic crisis generated by the pandemic. However, according to the last report by the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), which represents more than 3.000 businesses, the European component fabricators are returning to increase their investments in the technologies and talent necessary for the unfolding of these tendencies.

In general, all of the European automotion providers that help the makers release new vehicle models to the market are already oriented towards the development of ACES vehicles.

However, according to the last report from CLEPA, after the pandemic they are focusing again on this, with an increase of 10% in the development of these technologies. Additionally, 66% of the suppliers plan to train a significant part of their labor force to respond to these tendencies.

Different international reports are trying to evaluate the current impact of the connectivity, automation and electrification of the automobile, as well as on shared mobility and also on the demand in garage/shop repair and maintenance services. Until now, the percentage of strictly ACES European vehicles is relatively small and their conclusions are being discussed. However, it should be pointed out that the consolidation in the ACES investments in the automotive industry, as announced by CLEPA, will produce a significant increase in the number of vehicles affected by it and its eventual impact on body maintenance and repair.