An IAM:CONNECT e-mobility survey by MEYLE and INNOFACT AG has revealed a sharp division within the independent aftermarket (IAM) regarding the future of electrified vehicles. The survey captured the expectations of 100 independent workshops across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, one year after the initial 2024 study.
According to the survey, 53% of workshops believe their future lies with combustion engines, while 47% anticipate a shift toward e-mobility. The results reflect a market in flux, with no clear direction established, MEYLE said.
The IAM:CONNECT e-mobility survey highlights a growing gap between awareness and implementation. While 47% of respondents recognize e-mobility as a future growth market, only 16% have invested in employee training. Among those who consider e-mobility a strategic priority, just 34% have taken steps toward further education.
IAM:CONNECT E-mobility Survey: Barriers to Change
For workshops staying focused on internal combustion engines, several challenges block progress:
- 49.1% report their customers still drive mostly combustion vehicles;
- 39.6% see low current demand for EV services;
- 32.1% cite high investment costs;
- 22.6% lack necessary technical equipment
“The combustion engine business is still running so well that many workshops see little reason for change. Those who only focus on today’s customers may miss out on tomorrow’s,” said Patrick Stüdemann, head of technical training at MEYLE AG.
On the other side, workshops embracing e-mobility see it as an opportunity:
- 40.4% aim to attract new customer groups;
- 36.2% are preparing for expected market growth;
- 31.9% want to secure a competitive edge.
What Workshops Expect From Manufacturers
Support remains critical for success. Workshop expectations from manufacturers include:
- 45% want EV parts and solutions;
- 47% request diagnostic tools and repair instructions;
- 37% seek targeted training on hybrid and electric vehicles.
IAM:CONNECT Platform Drives Dialogue
The IAM:CONNECT platform from MEYLE encourages ongoing communication and strategic planning across the aftermarket. More events and discussion formats are planned throughout 2025 to help workshops shape their paths.
“The split in the sector is not a catastrophe, but a chance for those who pursue a clear strategy and take action,” said Stüdemann. “Some are optimizing the established business model. Others are taking the lead in a future market. Both paths can succeed, but those who do not make a conscious decision now may be overtaken by both. We see ourselves as a partner in this transformation – supporting and enabling workshops in successfully shaping their individual path.”
