North American Engine Control Units Aftermarket

SUMMARY

Incorporation of OBD II in Vehicles Shifts Business from Aftermarket to OES Channels

Since their introduction in 1996, on-board diagnostic (OBD) II regulations have continued to have a detrimental impact on the North American engine control units (ECU) aftermarket. OBD II requires ECUs to indicate any problem that occurs in the engine and there is dearth of parts available in the aftermarket to manufacture ECUs that meet this requirement. Also, aftermarket installers lack the necessary range of equipment to identify all ECU problems, forcing customers to seek the services of the original equipment service (OES) channels. Hence, as original equipment (OE) suppliers update their manufacturing methods to meed new OBD regulations, the aftermarket is unable to keep pace with the technological changes resulting in a low growth in comparison to the OE market.

This Frost & Sullivan research service analyses the North American ECU aftermarket. It provides an in-depth analysis of the market drivers and restraints and gives valuable insight on the current and future market trends. It also closely examines the competitive environment and distribution network, thereby helping clients improve their business planning strategy.

OBD Regulations Force Increase in Manufacturing Costs and Prices

OBD regulations have undergone periodic updations and new clauses stipulate the detection of misfire and the efficiency levels of the catalyst in ECUs. This has necessitated the use of OBD computers that help increase the processing power of ECUs, as well as help detect even minor faults in engine components. Hence, as ECU manufacturers update their manufacturing process and incorporate new technologies to meet new OBD regulations, the consequent increase in manufacturing costs is causing a rise in ECU prices.

With the incorporation of OBD computers, ECUs are increasingly controlling more functions such as spark timing, idle speed, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation, and electronic throttle. The increased functionality has contributed to a vast improvement in the quality of ECUs. "With rapid technological changes taking place, the quality of ECUs is expected to improve further," says the analyst of this research service. "While aftermarket manufacturers are having to incorporate technological advancements and raise the quality of their ECUs, the continued improvement in quality is likely to reduce the overall replacement rate of ECUs."

Need for Improved Training among Aftermarket Technicians

Faulty replacement of ECU parts in the independent aftermarket is a major cause for concern in North America. Owing to the lack of adequate training among aftermarket technicians, as well as low ECU knowledge levels among customers, parts that have not failed are often replaced. This often leads to exaggerated indications of market growth, as at times the replacements are not actually justified on the customer. Although the OE suppliers have attempted to provide technicians with diagnostic flowcharts to resolve potential problems, there exists a crucial need to impart better training to aftermarket technicians.

Considering the need for substantial investments in research and development, there are few participants in the ECU aftermarket. The two major suppliers -- Cardone and SMP -- account for a combined share of 72.2 percent of the total market. "Aftermarket manufacturers are facing stiff competition from OE suppliers who are at an advantage in leveraging the engineering expertise of automakers and are using improved technologies," says the analyst. "However, with the continuing increase in vehicle sales, demand for ECUs in the North American aftermarket is expected to remain healthy, and revenue growth can largely be attributed to the increase in the weighted average price of ECUs."

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Executive Summary
  • 1. Summary of Major Findings
    • 1. Executive Summary
• 2. North American Engine Control Units Aftermarket
  • 1. Overview and Definitions
    • 1. Market Overview and Definitions
    • 2. Market Engineering Measurement Analysis
  • 2. Market Drivers and Restraints
    • 1. Market Drivers
      • a. Lack of Education and Training Leads to Improper Replacement of ECUs
      • b. Increased Manufacturing Costs Due to OBD Regulations Increase Price
      • c. Incorporation of More Functions in ECUs Boost Prices
    • 2. Market Restraints
      • a. Incorporation of OBD II in Vehicles Shift Business from Aftermarket to OES Channel
      • b. Improved ECU Quality Reduces Aftermarket Demand
      • c. Core Availability Restrains ECU Aftermarket
  • 3. Quantitative Analysis
    • 1. Demand Analysis
    • 2. Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts
    • 3. Trends by Geographic Region
    • 4. Pricing Analysis and Trends
  • 4. Competitive Analysis
    • 1. Competitive Analysis and Trends
    • 2. Distribution Channel Analysis
    • 3. Revenue Market Share Analysis
  • 5. Frost & Sullivan Awards
    • 1. Frost & Sullivan Competitive Strategy Leadership Award
• 3. Appendix
  • 1. Acronyms and Equations
    • 1. Acronyms and Abbreviations
    • 2. Currency Exchange Rates
    • 3. Conversion Equations
    • 4. Compound Annual Growth Rate
• 4. Decision Support Database
  • 1. Decision Support Database
    • 1. Automotive Technicians
    • 2. Automotive Retailers
    • 3. Automotive Dealers
    • 4. Repair Shops

List Of Figures

Chapter 2

• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Market Drivers Ranked in Order of Impact (North America), 2005 -2011
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Market Restraints Ranked in Order of Impact (North America), 2005 -- 2011
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Light Vehicle Sales by Geographic Region (North America), 2001-2011
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Average Age of Light Vehicles in Use (North America), 2001-2011
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Unit Shipment and Revenue Forecasts (North America), 2001-2011
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (North America), 2001-2011
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Manufacturer-Level Pricing Analysis (North America), 2001-2011
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Competitive Structure (North America), 2004
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Revenue Shares by Distribution Channel (North America), 2004
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Revenue Shares of Major Market Participants (North America), 2004

Chapter 3

• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (Canada: U.S.), 2003-2005
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (Europe: U.S.), 2003-2005
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (Japan: U.S.), 2003-2005
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (Mexico: U.S.), 2003-2005
• Engine Control Units Aftermarket: Exchange Rate (UK: U.S.), 2003-2005