Transformation as Strategy, Ep. 13: Inside the Shift: How New Mobility Is Rewriting the Aftermarket

Why It Matters

The shift toward autonomous, electric fleets redefines aftermarket revenue streams, forcing OEMs and suppliers to adapt or lose market share.

Key Takeaways

• Autonomous fleets will centralize parts procurement, reshaping profit pools.
• EV adoption slows, but maintenance cost advantage remains significant.
• CES 2026 lacked disruptive aftermarket innovations beyond niche autonomous tech.
• Tire wear accelerates on EVs, creating new growth opportunities.
• Roland Berger’s 2025 Pulse study expands to 13 countries, tracking trends.

Summary

The podcast episode explores how new mobility—particularly autonomous fleets and electric vehicles—is reshaping the automotive aftermarket in 2026. Host Mackenzie Putici interviews Neury Freitas, head of North America Aftermarket at Roland Berger, to map the evolving value chain from OEMs to independent repair shops and to assess the impact of emerging technologies.

Key insights include a shift in power dynamics as autonomous operators like Waymo and Tesla’s Robo‑cab consolidate servicing in-house, mirroring commercial‑truck fleets and altering parts‑sourcing negotiations. While CES 2026 offered few breakthrough consumer‑facing solutions, it highlighted the growing relevance of autonomous mobility. Meanwhile, EV penetration has plateaued after incentives expired, yet maintenance costs remain 30‑40% lower than ICE vehicles, offset by higher tire wear and uncertain battery‑replacement expenses.

Freitas emphasizes that “the profit pools change” when fleets buy bulk parts and run their own workshops, citing the commercial‑vehicle model as a proxy. He also notes the “magical” regenerative‑braking effect that reduces brake‑pad wear but accelerates tire degradation, creating a niche opportunity for tire manufacturers. The discussion is anchored by a personal anecdote about regenerative energy extending range in the Alps, underscoring the tangible benefits of EV technology.

For industry players, the implications are clear: OEMs must secure a larger share of the autonomous‑fleet service market, parts suppliers should pivot toward high‑wear items like EV‑specific tires, and data‑driven insights—such as those from Roland Berger’s expanded 2025 Pulse study covering 13 countries—will become essential for strategic planning.

Original Description

In this episode of Transformation is Strategy, Neury Freitas, Head of the Aftermarket practice in North America, breaks down the dramatic forces reshaping the automotive aftermarket, from autonomous mobility to the mixed reality of EV adoption in 2026. He explains why CES surprised the industry this year, how large autonomous fleets like Waymo are fundamentally shifting aftermarket power dynamics, and why servicing models will look more like commercial fleet operations than neighborhood garages. Neury also dives into findings from our Aftermarket Pulse 2025 study , revealing how consumer behavior, rising costs, and the shift toward convenience are rapidly changing both the B2B and B2C sides of the market. Whether you’re an OEM, supplier, shop owner, or strategist, this episode uncovers the realities, misconceptions, and opportunities defining the aftermarket’s future.

Here you can read the full Aftermarket Pulse 2025 study: https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Insights/Publications/Automotive-Aftermarket-Pulse-2025.html

Find all Regional Insights Americas Episodes on our website: https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Insights/Publications/Regional-Insights-Americas.html?btc=US

Listen to this episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0E6TNLE8oqvYoFYEgouBKO?si=6848d5b504954545&nd=1&dlsi=ff552302912f4bdc

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transformation-as-strategy-inside-the-shift-how-new/id1795890535?i=1000756766919

Listen to this episode on Podigee: https://regional-insights.podigee.io/13-new-episode