Titi's Weekly Digest - Sep 30-Oct 6

🇪🇺 EU – New Vehicle-Data Rights Enforced
Vehicle manufacturers must provide transparency and allow users and aftermarket firms fair access to vehicle-generated data (Sept 29 2025).
🇬🇧 UK – HSE to Inspect 1,000 Body Shops
Britain’s Health and Safety Executive launched 1,000 inspections of repair shops to curb isocyanate exposure in spray paints (Oct 1 2025).
🇪🇺 Europe – Shaftec Adds New Driveshafts
Shaftec introduced three new driveshafts for Ford Kuga II and Renault Master III, expanding its “New To Range” catalogue (Oct 1 2025).
🇬🇧 UK – Klarius Expands Exhaust Range
Klarius released 21 new exhaust and emissions components covering 552k UK vehicles and 2.4 million Europe-wide (Oct 1 2025).
🇫🇷 France – Equip Auto Paris 2025 Preview
EQUIP AUTO Paris celebrates its 50th anniversary Oct 14–18 with 1,400 exhibitors, highlighting digitalization, sustainability and mobility (Sept 26 2025).
🇵🇱 Poland – Inter Cars Completes Share Buyback
Inter Cars repurchased 150,000 shares at PLN 575 each (PLN 86.25 million total) as part of its capital management plan (Sept 26 2025).
🇩🇪 Germany – ATR Hosts IPAS Forum and Wins Award
ATR International’s Berlin Forum honored Lesjöfors, Bosch, Federal-Mogul and Mahle; its Night Breaker LED Speed won Product of the Year (Sept 25 2025).

Below are the details about these news and my take on them:

European Union - Sep 29 2025

The EU Data Act became fully effective on Sept 12 2025. According to LKQ Europe’s analysis, vehicle manufacturers must now provide transparency on vehicle‑generated data—detailing what data is collected and where it is stored—and must make both raw and pre‑processed data accessible to vehicle users and third parties. Users are entitled to free access to their data, while third‑party data recipients (e.g., parts distributors or repair shops) may be charged “fair, reasonable and non‑discriminatory” fees. The aftermarket companies must secure the vehicle owner’s consent to access data and should document any attempts to use these new rights.1

The European Commission reinforced these obligations by issuing sector‑specific guidance explaining the Data Act’s application to automotive stakeholders—OEMs, suppliers, aftermarket service providers and insurers. The guidance clarifies how data‑sharing processes should work and emphasizes that the rules apply only to vehicle‑generated data, not personal data.2

Titi’s take

The Data Act completely changes the balance of power between vehicle manufacturers and independent aftermarket operators. Access to in‑vehicle data is essential for diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and developing digital services.

IAM players should prepare to request data from OEMs, obtain vehicle owners’ permission, and integrate new data streams into their businesses.

Legal challenges may arise over fees and implementation, so trade associations and companies should monitor enforcement and share best practices.

United Kingdom - Oct 1 2025

Britain’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that it will conduct 1,000 targeted inspections of motor‑vehicle repair businesses across Great Britain starting Sept 28 2025. The inspections focus on reducing workers’ exposure to isocyanate‑containing paints used in spray booths. The HSE said the inspections would assess compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and require employers to ensure that exposures are controlled, ventilation systems work properly and spray painters undergo health surveillance.3

Titi’s take

Independent body shops and repair centers in UK should review their spray‑painting operations, ventilation systems and PPE procedures. Failing an HSE inspection could lead to enforcement actions.

Suppliers of paint systems and PPE may see increased demand as garages upgrade equipment. Trade associations should disseminate guidance to members to avoid penalties and protect workers.

Europe - Oct 1 2025

Driveline specialist Shaftec introduced three new driveshafts—FO400L and FO400R for the Ford Kuga II and R566R for the Renault Master III—adding to its “New To Range” catalogue. The company emphasized that having the right parts available helps workshops minimize vehicle downtime.4

Titi’s take

The addition of popular SUV (Kuga) and van (Master) driveshafts will help Shaftec’s coverage of high‑volume fleets, which in turn should benefit distributors and garages across Europe. By widening its range, Shaftec positions itself competitively against rival driveline suppliers and offers IAM parts suppliers more choice.

United Kingdom - Oct 1 2025

Tyrepress reported that emissions control specialist Klarius Products released 21 new aftermarket exhaust components. The parts reportedly cover 552,000 vehicles in the UK and approximately 2.4 million across Europe, with applications for Ford, Hyundai, Kia and other brands.5

Titi’s take

New exhaust components expand Klarius’ portfolio and give independent parts distributors and garages access to replacements for vehicles that may otherwise require costly OEM parts.

Now, with increasing regulatory pressure on emissions systems, having certified replacements available through IAM channels is becoming critical. Distributors should check availability and stock levels to meet expected demand.

France - Sept 26 2025

Aftermarket Intel previewed the EQUIP AUTO Paris 2025 show scheduled for Oct 14–18 2025. Organizers expect around 1,400 exhibitors covering passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy trucks, two‑ and three‑wheelers and new mobility solutions.6 The event will focus on digitalization, sustainability and future mobility, with features such as information points for the circular economy, a Tech Academy offering hands‑on training, a “50 Years (R)Evolution” retrospective exhibition and innovation awards and hackathons. The show is held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron and aims to reinforce the aftermarket community’s resilience and transformation.7

Titi’s take

As Europe’s largest aftermarket trade fair, Equip Auto sets the tone for product launches, partnerships and technology trends. Distributors and service providers in Central and Eastern Europe should monitor announcements from the show, particularly around digital tools, sustainability initiatives and new supplier relationships - I’ll do my best to keep you updated so please subscribe.

Poland - Sept 26 2025

Polish distributor Inter Cars S.A. reported that it completed a share‑buyback program between Sept 16 and Sept 23 2025. During this period, the company purchased 150,000 of its own shares at PLN 575 per share, spending PLN 86.25 million. The buyback forms part of a broader capital management strategy.8

Titi’s take

The buyback shows Inter Cars’ confidence in its financial position and may support earnings per share. It also signals limited near‑term investment needs, which is pointing to stable operations.

We might view this as a sign that Inter Cars will focus on operational efficiency rather than major acquisitions in the near term.

Germany - Sept 25 2025

ATR International hosted its annual IPAS Forum in Berlin from Sept 16 to 18, gathering shareholders and suppliers to discuss collaboration and digital strategies. Awards were presented for excellence in logistics (Lesjöfors), supplier of the year (Bosch), marketing (Federal‑Mogul Motorparts) and sustainability (Mahle). Separately, ATR’s Night Breaker LED Speed headlamp won the German Institute for Service Quality’s “Product of the Year 2025” award.9

Titi’s take

ATR’s focus on digital collaboration and supplier awards points us to the growing importance of logistics efficiency, sustainable practices and marketing innovation in the IAM. Recognition of LED headlamps highlights (pun intended) opportunities for distributors to upsell high‑performance lighting solutions.

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