Abstract
Incorporation of OBD II in Vehicles Shifts Business from Aftermarket to OES Channels
Since their introduction in 1996, on-board diagnostic (OBD) II regulations have continued to have
a detrimental impact on the North American engine control units (ECU) aftermarket. OBD II requires
ECUs to indicate any problem that occurs in the engine and there is dearth of parts available in the
aftermarket to manufacture ECUs that meet this requirement. Also, aftermarket installers lack the
necessary range of equipment to identify all ECU problems, forcing customers to seek the services of
the original equipment service (OES) channels. Hence, as original equipment (OE) suppliers update
their manufacturing methods to meed new OBD regulations, the aftermarket is unable to keep pace with
the technological changes resulting in a low growth in comparison to the OE market.
This Frost & Sullivan research service analyses the North American ECU aftermarket. It
provides an in-depth analysis of the market drivers and restraints and gives valuable insight on the
current and future market trends. It also closely examines the competitive environment and
distribution network, thereby helping clients improve their business planning strategy.
OBD Regulations Force Increase in Manufacturing Costs and Prices
OBD regulations have undergone periodic updations and new clauses stipulate the detection of
misfire and the efficiency levels of the catalyst in ECUs. This has necessitated the use of OBD
computers that help increase the processing power of ECUs, as well as help detect even minor faults
in engine components. Hence, as ECU manufacturers update their manufacturing process and incorporate
new technologies to meet new OBD regulations, the consequent increase in manufacturing costs is
causing a rise in ECU prices.
With the incorporation of OBD computers, ECUs are increasingly controlling more functions such as
spark timing, idle speed, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, variable valve timing, cylinder
deactivation, and electronic throttle. The increased functionality has contributed to a vast
improvement in the quality of ECUs. "With rapid technological changes taking place, the quality
of ECUs is expected to improve further," says the analyst of this research service. "While
aftermarket manufacturers are having to incorporate technological advancements and raise the quality
of their ECUs, the continued improvement in quality is likely to reduce the overall replacement rate
of ECUs."
Need for Improved Training among Aftermarket Technicians
Faulty replacement of ECU parts in the independent aftermarket is a major cause for concern in
North America. Owing to the lack of adequate training among aftermarket technicians, as well as low
ECU knowledge levels among customers, parts that have not failed are often replaced. This often
leads to exaggerated indications of market growth, as at times the replacements are not actually
justified on the customer. Although the OE suppliers have attempted to provide technicians with
diagnostic flowcharts to resolve potential problems, there exists a crucial need to impart better
training to aftermarket technicians.
Considering the need for substantial investments in research and development, there are few
participants in the ECU aftermarket. The two major suppliers -- Cardone and SMP -- account for a
combined share of 72.2 percent of the total market. "Aftermarket manufacturers are facing stiff
competition from OE suppliers who are at an advantage in leveraging the engineering expertise of
automakers and are using improved technologies," says the analyst. "However, with the
continuing increase in vehicle sales, demand for ECUs in the North American aftermarket is expected
to remain healthy, and revenue growth can largely be attributed to the increase in the weighted
average price of ECUs." | 
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