BATTERY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
FUTURE OF THE LEAD ACID BATTERY
THE Banner B2B FORECAST
The e-mobility and digitalisation megatrends are transforming the automotive industry. They are also creating a wealth of opportunities for battery business.
Whenever the future of the automotive aftermarket and workshop and battery business is discussed, the buzzwords e mobility and digitalisation are almost always mentioned. The two trends already constitute THE major challenges that face the entire automotive industry today. Moreover, by 2030, their effects will intensify and transform the market. However, to begin with the good news for us all, the aftermarket and repair business will continue to grow, although in combination with even more changes owing to electrification and digitalisation. In addition, the complexity and diversity of the aftermarket for automotive spare and wear parts are also certain to increase.
Thomas Hauzeneder
Marketing Manager
WHAT WILL CHANGE?
1. Longer car service life. This is a positive development for our battery business and basically will also benefit workshops and the vehicle component trade because older vehicles require more maintenance, servicing, spare and wear parts.
2. Access to vehicle data. Modern cars are increasingly digitally networked and have practically become rolling smartphones on four wheels. By 2030, about 50% of the vehicle fleet will be equipped with connectivity systems. At present, only the vehicle manufacturers know what data is generated, processed, stored and transmitted in a car. Data transparency, access not only for vehicle manufacturers and their brand name or authorized workshops, as well as freedom of choice for drivers, are just some of the issues that have yet to be clarified.
3. E-mobility does not mean e-cars without a 12V electrical system power supply! Even if by 2030 up to 50% of all new cars in Europe will be electric, i.e. hybrid models or pure e-cars, some 85% of the vehicles in the fleet will still be equipped with an internal combustion engine, which will require a correspondingly powerful lead-acid starter battery. Similarly, each electric car will also be equipped with a 12V lead-acid battery for its electrical system. Indeed, lead acid batteries from Banner are already part of the e-mobility of today.
4. Automotive manufacturers are pushing their own OES (original equipment supplier) products to increase penetration of the aftermarket. In this connection, for example car manufacturers will push for even more professional marketing with original parts such as batteries. Enormous growth potential will thus emanate from the growing pool of older vehicles, which in future will be steered in the direction of branded or contracted workshops by means of special campaigns.
5. Reduced car mileage. The average car mileage of around 14,000 km will continue to decline. This means more partially and deeply discharged or sulphated batteries and represents another sales opportunity!
6. Car fleet operators and insurance companies will control an increasing share of the vehicle fleet. Service and maintenance will only be allocated to select automotive businesses.
Moreover, whatever happens, one thing is certain. Striking starter and electrical system batteries will continue to cause starting and driving problems, and this offers a chance to generate valuable additional sales. Furthermore, especially for its customers, the Banner buffalo will keep on developing its partner portal on www.bannerbatterien.com as THE platform for battery knowledge and marketing!