Society’s push for greater sustainability is also impacting drivers and the aftermarket. A vast majority in the Nordics support reusing spare parts and maximizing the lifespan of cars through maintenance and repair.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the regular use of terms like “circularity” and “reuse” has become something of a baseline expectation in many industries in recent years. Society and consumers are aligning on the path to sustainability, with increased focus on preserving and maintaining what we already have.
Remanufactured spare parts gain momentum
The Mobility Barometer 2024 confirms that consumers are committed to this shift, also when it comes to maintaining and repairing cars. In fact, 65 percent believe it is positive that workshops reuse used spare parts of the same quality as new ones during service and repairs, while only 9 percent of respondents oppose the idea.
While the sentiment remains stable and positive across genders and regardless of whether the respondent resides in a major city or rural area, men tend to be slightly more positive (68 percent) compared to women (61). There are some differences between the Nordic countries as well. People in Sweden hold the most positive attitude (71), followed by Norway (66), Finland (60) and Denmark (57).
Fundamental right to repair
Repairing and servicing a car is essential for reaching its maximum lifespan, which in turn reduces costs, ensures reliable transportation, and often limits climate impact. An overwhelming 9 in 10 people believe this, while only 8 percent oppose such an idea. This sentiment is shared among both men (88) and women (91) as well as across age groups and geographies.
People in Finland see this as fundamental, with 95 percent stating that the option to service and repair your car to reach its maximum lifespan is important. Finland is followed by Sweden (91), Norway (87), and Denmark (84). At 11 percent, Denmark also holds the largest share of people disagreeing that this is important.
Shared responsibility for a sustainable future
The shift towards sustainability in the automotive aftermarket is about aligning with a more conscious society and meeting growing consumer demands, not just following regulations. This change emphasizes the importance of reuse, repair, and sustainable management of both traditional and electric vehicles. By embracing these practices, the industry can succeed while contributing to a greener future.
MEKO is accelerating in the commercial vehicle segment with an ambitious goal – to expand the business to more than SEK 1 billion in revenue by 2028. “The opportunity is there, we have a clear plan, and we are here to stay,” says Nils Hollmann, MEKO’s Director of Commercial Vehicles.
MEKO is strengthening its logistics with new state-of-the-art distribution centers across several markets. The result is higher efficiency, a broader range of spare parts, and new capacity for growth. “The step we are taking now is significant. It benefits our customers and gives MEKO a much stronger platform,” says Jessica Tjulander, Director of Wholesale at MEKO.
A growing number of car owners are choosing affordable alternatives for spare parts and products that maintain the same high quality as established brands. MEKO is meeting this demand by bringing together its exclusive brands into a new division with a clearer strategy. The goal is to offer parts and products that match established manufacturers in performance, are adapted to Nordic conditions, come with warranties, and are easily accessible – at a more competitive price.