North American Selected Class 6-8 Engine Components Aftermarket

Abstract

Increasing Costs Present Competitive Challenges to Manufacturers

The cost of steel and other raw materials drove the prices for replacement parts in the Class 6-8 North American aftermarket up substantially in 2004. While customers paid for some of these costs in the form of higher prices, suppliers were not able to pass on all of their cost increases to customers. With materials costs expected to remain relatively high over the next couple of years, manufacturers must find ways to reduce other production costs if they are to remain competitive.

This Frost & Sullivan research examines the markets for various replacement engine parts and systems in Class 6-8 trucks. Segments include turbochargers, oil filters, engine bearings, and glow plugs. It includes an analysis of the factors that will drive and restrain these markets over the next seven years.

New Diesel Engine Emissions Standards Present Aftermarket Opportunities

When the U.S. government begins enforcing new NOx and particulate matter diesel engine emissions regulations in 2007, manufacturers of heavy-duty engine parts must be ready to introduce aftermarket products that fit the new engines designed to comply with these standards. However, there will be an increasing need for replacement parts for engines produced before 2007 that do not have to meet the new emissions standards.

According to the analyst, "These new emissions regulations should boost sales in the aftermarket in the coming years because many truck owners and operators will delay the purchase of new vehicles equipped with more costly emissions controls. The short-term result will be more older truck engines remaining in service instead of being replaced, and these engines will require more maintenance than a new engine."

Performance-Improving Technologies Hold Key to Future Growth

The growing demand for engine parts that are made better and last longer requires that manufacturers offer products with the latest performance-improving technologies. Distributors want to offer the best products available to their customers, and manufacturers will have a hard time selling parts that are viewed as inferior if they do not offer the same advantages as new products.