The aftermarket sector in Spain is increasingly turning its focus toward a more sustainable alternative: eco-friendly spare parts.
Although they still make up a small share of the market, their growth is steady and they already represent around 5% of total revenue, according to the report “The (Un)sustainable Aftermarket” published by Solera, a company specialized in the automotive lifecycle.
For now, the market remains dominated by original parts, which account for 60% of sales, followed by alternative components with 35%. However, the trend suggests that recovered parts from decommissioned vehicles—known as eco-friendly spare parts—will continue to gain ground thanks to their lower cost and contribution to the circular economy.
Each year in Spain, between 600,000 and 700,000 cars are taken off the road. Around 60,000 of these are under 15 years old, meaning they still contain a large number of components in good condition. These “donor” vehicles help extend the lifespan of other cars by providing parts that, on average, cost 55% less than original ones.
The potential is huge. According to Solera’s estimates, nearly 90,000 cars declared total losses could become a valuable source of spare parts. This reuse alone would generate more than 580 million euros in additional revenue for the sector, and if the full range of eco-friendly spare parts is considered, the economic impact could approach 900 million euros.
For repair shops, this trend opens up new opportunities. Thanks to cheaper parts, repairs that were previously unfeasible—especially for very old vehicles—can now be carried out, preventing many cars from ending up prematurely in the scrapyard.
France sets the example, where it is already mandatory to include a specific section for eco-friendly spare parts in repair estimates, leaving the final decision to the customer. Spain could soon follow this same regulatory path.
At PCEX Automotive, we are deeply committed to transforming the sector and promoting sustainable practices in the aftermarket. In line with this vision, we are actively working to obtain the Zero Waste certification, reaffirming our commitment to reducing environmental impact and contributing to a more circular and responsible automotive industry.
Source: bolsamanía
