Last updated: July 2026
Whether you have a bold new car or an old modest car, you can not deny the importance of the aftermarket parts. From a car security system to a remote starter or an OBD module, the aftermarket industry is fulfilling the needs of the customers for years. The global automotive aftermarket was valued at approximately $378.9 billion in 2020. By 2024 that figure had grown to over $500 billion. Industry analysts project the market to surpass $650 billion by 2030, driven by connected vehicles, car sharing growth, and the rise of digital access technology. The aftermarket industry has evolved a great deal over the years and is exploring new avenues.
Factors responsible for the automotive industry’s evolution
An interesting study published by McKinsey discusses how the automotive aftermarket industry evolved over the years.
Digitization of channels and interfaces
The industry has been able to keep up with the current market trends. Major players were able to shift their focus to digital channels. Digital channels have gained an increasing influence on customers’ research and purchase processes. This trend is not only limited to emerging markets but also in developed markets as well. Customers turn to online communities and reviews, among other digital platforms, as a way to improve their purchasing decisions.
Suppliers, OEMs, distributors, and workshop chains will continue to increase their online participation and launch new platforms. As expected the e-commerce share of parts sales will increase to 20 to 30% by 2035, a level at which it is likely to drastically high.
OEM and their expansion in the aftermarket industry
Since the age of the vehicles has increased, OEMs needed another way to generate revenue. They cannot just rely on the manufacturer to keep them afloat. For this reason, OEMs have started to invest heavily in the aftermarket industry. For OEMs in emerging markets, the numbers are even tougher due to the higher average vehicle age.
Access to car-generated data
A massive wave of new data is cresting. Today’s connected vehicle already has about 40 microprocessors and generates 25 GB of data per hour, including telematics and driver behavior data. As processes beyond the car become digitized, additional data will also be captured. OEMs and aftermarket industry giants have started to capitalize on this and have started to work with entrepreneurs to set foot in the big data industry. For car sharing operators, this data is already actionable tools like MoboKey’s fleet management dashboard surface location, access logs, and usage patterns in real time.
Frank Schlehuber, CLEPA very rightly said
While autonomous driving and electrification receive nearly daily press attention, the most considerable game-changer for the aftermarket will be connectivity and data-based business models. It is happening now and it is developing fast.
Impact of car sharing
Even though the sales of the car manufacturers have not been increasing as they were expected to. But the usage of cars has increased significantly. Aftermarket giants and OEMs are capitalizing on this as well. As the use of the car increases the need for new car parts becomes essential. Hence, the rise of car-sharing users and professional fleets opens up new opportunities to steer and optimize maintenance and repair services.
Another upcoming topic is fleet management, in a business as well as in a customer fleet context. Companies like MoboKey have built remote kill switch technology and digital key platforms that sit directly within this aftermarket growth wave. Partnerships will likely emerge between intermediaries and workshop chains, and the workflow and parts logistics can be fully automated.
How the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Looks in 2026
The trends McKinsey identified in 2020 have accelerated. Here is where the industry stands today:
| Trend | Status in 2020 | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| E-commerce share of parts sales | ~10% | Approaching 20–25% |
| Connected vehicle data use | Emerging | Mainstream in new models |
| Digital access / keyless systems | Niche | Growing rapidly via car sharing |
| OEM aftermarket investment | Increasing | Major revenue line for most OEMs |
| Car sharing fleet size | Small | Expanding globally, driving repair demand |
| Remote security (kill switches) | Limited consumer awareness | Rising — driven by theft rates and fleet management |
These factors combined have undoubtedly laid the path of a market that is billions of dollars and has the capacity to touch a trillion in the coming years. MoboKey may not be a big player but it is working with some major players to make its mark. MoboKey has become quintessential to the car-sharing market to provide remote access to a car in the most affordable way.
Link to the report by McKinsey: Here
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For fleet managers looking to add connected security to their vehicles, see how MoboKey’s remote kill switch works and which vehicles are compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions: Automotive Aftermarket Industry
What is the automotive aftermarket industry?
The automotive aftermarket industry covers all products and services sold for vehicles after their original manufacture and sale. This includes replacement parts, accessories, repair services, security devices, and increasingly, connected car technology like digital keys and remote access systems.
How big is the automotive aftermarket industry in 2026?
The global automotive aftermarket was worth approximately $500 billion in 2024 and is growing steadily. Analysts project it will exceed $650 billion by 2030. The United States alone accounts for roughly $400 billion of the global market when including all repair, maintenance, and parts segments.
What are the fastest-growing segments of the aftermarket in 2026?
The fastest-growing segments are connected car technology, digital access systems, and e-commerce parts sales. Remote security (including kill switches and GPS integration), car sharing fleet technology, and OEM-certified parts sold through digital channels are all growing above the market average.
How has car sharing changed the automotive aftermarket?
Car sharing increases vehicle utilization rates significantly. Higher utilization means faster wear, more frequent maintenance, and greater demand for replacement parts and security technology. Fleet operators who run car sharing businesses now represent a distinct and growing customer segment for aftermarket suppliers.
Where does MoboKey fit in the automotive aftermarket?
MoboKey is an aftermarket device that adds digital key access, remote engine start, and kill switch capability to existing vehicles. It connects to the vehicle’s ignition system without modifying the factory hardware. This places it in the connected security segment of the aftermarket — one of the industry’s fastest-growing areas.
