Could manufacturer lobbying further extend the life of the ICE aftermarket?

BM Catalysts has long been keeping a keen eye on the government's plans regarding the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. As the automotive industry transitions towards zero emission vehicles, growing calls from manufacturers for greater flexibility could have implications extending well beyond the new car market.

In recent weeks big-name manufacturers have written to the government in a bid to action a relaxation in the ZEV mandate that would allow highly efficient internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, plug-in hybrids, range extenders and combustion engines utilising green steel and sustainable fuels beyond the 2025 deadline.  

While the debate around the future of ICE vehicles is primarily focused on vehicle production and new car sales, the potential knock-on effect of these changes to the automotive aftermarket is something worth noting. If manufacturers, and indeed the industry in general, succeed in securing greater flexibility around the transition, it could mean that combustion engine technologies remain part of the new vehicle market for much longer than currently forecast. In turn, this would expand the lifespan and commercial relevance of the ICE vehicle parc, creating demand for the components and expertise required to maintain these vehicles.

Millions of petrol and diesel vehicles are already on European roads, and their presence will continue long after the sales of new ICE vehicles eventually decline. If hybrid, plug-in and range extender technologies remain a part of the new vehicle mix beyond 2035, the distinction between ICE and EV could become even less straightforward.

For emissions specialists BM Catalysts, this reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in combustion engine technologies while preparing for the shift in the vehicle car parc.

Mark Blinston, Commercial director at BM Catalysts, said: “Even if the transition towards zero emissions accelerates, the existing ICE vehicle parc will require maintenance and replacement components for many years. If manufacturers are successful in securing a role for highly efficient combustion engines, hybrids and range extender technologies beyond 2035, that aftermarket lifespan increases significantly.”