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The automotive aftermarket enters 2026 at a turning point. Digitalization, once seen as a complement, has become a strategic pillar for distributors, parts manufacturers, repair shops, marketplaces, and the entire aftermarket value chain.
With more connected consumers, increasingly complex vehicles, and an ecosystem driven by data, digital transformation is redefining how vehicles are diagnosed, repaired, purchased, and managed throughout their entire lifecycle.
An aftermarket driven by full vehicle connectivity
Connected vehicles are the main driver of change in the aftermarket. According to Precedence Research, the global connected car market could exceed USD 59.5 billion by 2026. For the aftermarket, this means access to a new source of critical data: telemetry, vehicle history, real-time failures, and OTA updates.
According to ZipDo, 88% of software updates already occur remotely, reducing failures and enabling more accurate diagnostics even before the vehicle reaches the workshop. By 2026, the aftermarket will operate with more complete information, accelerating parts purchasing, reducing technical uncertainty, and improving demand predictability.
Key challenges: infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital fragmentation
Digital progress also exposes weaknesses in the aftermarket chain:
Limited road infrastructure: experts from Abertis highlight the need for smart roads to support the evolution of connected vehicles. Without them, part of the potential of advanced diagnostics is lost.
Cybersecurity: between 2018 and 2024, 1,663 vulnerabilities were recorded in automotive systems. For distributors and workshops, this requires certified tools and stricter protocols for handling vehicle data.
Legacy systems: many aftermarket companies still operate disconnected platforms, making automation, inventory control, and real-time catalog updates difficult.
Software-defined vehicles: a new scenario for the aftermarket
Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are transforming the essence of the aftermarket. According to NXP and ABI Research, more than 75% of new vehicles will have full connectivity by 2026, accelerating:
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Data-driven predictive maintenance.
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More accurate remote diagnostics.
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Automatic identification of required parts.
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New opportunities for subscription-based aftermarket services.
For parts brands, this opens space for smart catalogs and direct integration with vehicle systems. For workshops and distributors, it means fewer human errors, less trial and error, and a significant increase in operational efficiency.
Efficiency and productivity: data and AI transforming the aftermarket chain
Artificial intelligence is advancing beyond manufacturing. Across the aftermarket chain, AI already drives:
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Spare parts demand forecasting.
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Inventory optimization.
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Automation of commercial processes.
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Parts recommendation systems based on real failures.
ZipDo estimates that AI will influence 65% of automotive production processes by 2026, and this trend is strongly impacting the aftermarket. Examples like Renault, which processes 5 billion data points daily in Palencia to optimize energy use and reduce failures, already indicate how these analytical models will impact distribution and aftermarket operations.
Digital aftermarket: omnichannel, smart inventories, and connected aftersales
The modernization of automotive commerce directly affects the aftermarket. 3D catalogs, marketplace integration, omnichannel purchasing, and price automation will be fully consolidated by 2026.
A study by WiFiTalents indicates that:
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52% of automotive companies already see concrete improvements in inventory management through digitalization.
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78% recognize that digital transformation offers an immediate competitive advantage.
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In aftermarket operations, OTA updates, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance reduce downtime and increase customer satisfaction.
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2026: digital maturity reaches the aftermarket.
After years of transition, 2026 will be the year the aftermarket consolidates its modernization. The combination of AI, connectivity, automotive software, and new business models will define who leads the next decade.
Companies that adopt scalable platforms, strengthen digital security, and invest in technological talent and strategic collaboration will be positioned for accelerated growth. Those that do not risk falling behind in an increasingly integrated, fast-paced, and data-driven market.
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