Two members of our team were out and about this week, catching up with new technologies and reconnecting with industry colleagues at the REPXPERT Event hosted by Schaeffler.
Rob shares his reflections of the day…
It was great to attend the REPXPERT Conference with my colleague Kayleigh Bradley. The event was organised by Schaeffler and was held at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon and it was a genuinely worthwhile event from start to finish.
The conference brought together garage owners, technicians, suppliers and professionals from across the automotive aftermarket industry to discuss the future of the sector and the challenges the industry is facing as vehicle technology continues to evolve.
One of the biggest themes throughout the event was how rapidly the industry is changing, particularly with the continued growth of EV and hybrid vehicles. There was a strong focus on diagnostics, advanced repair methods, technical training and the importance of independent workshops adapting to stay competitive in an increasingly technology-driven industry.
The technical sessions and live demonstrations were especially interesting and gave some valuable insight into the latest repair procedures, tooling and training opportunities available within the aftermarket sector. It was clear that ongoing investment in technician development and workshop capability is becoming more important than ever.
Another major talking point throughout the conference was the ongoing technician shortage and the wider recruitment challenges facing the industry. There were some really good discussions around attracting younger people into the aftermarket sector and ensuring businesses continue to invest in developing the next generation of technicians.
One of the standout presentations for me was the GIPA session, which focused heavily on where the automotive aftermarket industry is heading over the next few years.
A key message from the presentation was the importance of using data properly to understand future market trends, rather than simply relying on vehicle registration figures or parc data alone. They discussed analysing factors such as vehicle age, mileage, EV growth, regional demand and workshop readiness to help businesses make more informed decisions and identify future opportunities.
The presentation also highlighted how the aftermarket itself is evolving. While some traditional repair work may reduce over time, new opportunities are emerging through increased vehicle complexity, diagnostics and specialist repairs. The businesses investing early into technology, tooling and technician training are likely to be in a much stronger position moving forward.
Schaeffler’s stand was another highlight of the event, showcasing products and technologies across their LuK, INA and FAG brands. There was a strong emphasis on hybrid and EV repair solutions, transmission systems, wheel bearing technology, thermal management systems and OE-level repair procedures designed to support independent workshops.
It was particularly interesting to see the focus on EV and hybrid repair technology, including electric drive systems and transmission solutions, alongside the technical support and training available to help workshops keep pace with modern vehicle technology.
Aside from the conference itself, the British Motor Museum was an excellent venue and provided a great setting for the event. It also created plenty of opportunities to network and speak with other professionals from across the industry.
Overall, the REPXPERT Conference was extremely informative, well organised and full of valuable insights. The overall message throughout the event was clear – collaboration, innovation and continuous learning will be essential for independent workshops looking to stay ahead in the future automotive aftermarket.
A great event with plenty of useful takeaways, industry conversations and technical knowledge that will no doubt benefit businesses and technicians across the sector over the coming years.
I am now looking forward to the next event which will be the UK Garage & Body Shop Event on 3rd & 4th June held at the NEC in Birmingham ~ if you want to meet up for a coffee then get in touch on 07398 204832 or email robert@glencallum.co.uk – See you all there!
About the Author
Written and updated by Robert Cox, Senior Recruitment Consultant.
With 30 years technical recruiting experience across the automotive aftermarket and allied sectors, I have built a large network of professional contacts. My consultative approach allows me to tailor solutions for clients, whilst also supporting candidates through the process.
