Used vehicles, Recycling, Reusable parts and Remanufacturing

Repair and maintenance is a sustainable sector undergoing rapid change

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Vehicle maintenance is essentially driven by a still-growing vehicle fleet: 40 million private cars and 6.2 million light commercial vehicles will be on the road in France in 2023. The average age of vehicles has continued to rise, to over 11 years (3). The continuing rise in the price of new vehicles, linked in particular to the integration of costly new technologies (driving aids, electrification, connectivity and digitisation), means that the fleet is being renewed at a lower rate each year and, as a result, vehicles are being kept longer. The total lifespan of a car is approaching 19 years (4): the fleet needs more extensive maintenance operations throughout its life. Roadworthiness testing has adapted to this reality. Greater precision in measuring pollution from diesel vehicles (smoke opacity testing, 2019) means that diesel engines, which will still account for the majority of the fleet on the road in 2023, will need more maintenance.

Sector talking points

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Electronic maintenance
Electronic maintenance is the systematic use of diagnostic tools connected to vehicle control units.  The new generations of diagnostic tools are capable of communicating using the computer protocol adopted by all manufacturers (SAE J2534). The use of dedicated interfaces (VCI or Vehicle Connexion Interface) enables any repairer to use 'pass-thru' to access manufacturers' data servers (subject to subscription) and download updates or computer maintenance codes for the ECUs in the most recent vehicles (remote coding).
The repair industry will have to undergo long-term training to take advantage of these new functions. This is a fundamental development, and one of EQUIP AUTO's key themes. In 2023, the arrival of a new certificate for securing maintenance operations, the SERMI, which directly concerns repairers, will be in the news at the Lyon show and will be discussed during the series of conferences.
The electrification of vehicles
Electrification is the gradual introduction into the vehicle fleet of vehicles with electric components. This ranges from the simple starter-alternator (launched on the Citroën C3 by Valeo in 2003) to the various forms of hybridisation: the 48-volt, which is now becoming widespread; the so-called mild-hybrid traction assistance motor, located between the powertrain (engine-clutch-gearbox) and the transmission; the full-hybrid (such as the Renault E-Tech or Toyota HEV); the rechargeable hybrid, which adds power electronics components; and finally the electric vehicle with a 100% electric battery.
Throughout the transition phase from internal combustion engines to electric power for new vehicles (on 1 January 2036 in the European Union), repair and bodywork workshops must gradually adapt to the new diagnostic and maintenance techniques. At EQUIP AUTO, workshop equipment manufacturers will be exhibiting tools that meet the new workshop standards for electric vehicles (specific equipment for vehicles with voltages in excess of 60 volts).

The sector's product categories

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Repair and maintenance
Fitting out workshop vehicles
Electronic diagnostics and maintenance
Tyre maintenance and repair
Workshop equipment for CNG vehicle maintenance
Control and adjustment equipment
Lifting equipment
Mechanical repair equipment
Fluid transfer equipment
Technician personal protection equipment
Tools and small garage equipment

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