In the second episode of “Ich GEBE einen aus”, Dr Roman Schoenen, Managing Director of IKA Industrie- und Kraftfahrzeugausrüstung GmbH, speaks with Dirk Scharmer, Managing Director of the Gesamtverband Autoteilehandel e.V. (GVA).
The discussion focuses on key industry issues such as competition law, the conditions for the independent parts trade, and the increasing restrictions on spare parts availability imposed by vehicle manufacturers (OEMs). Dirk Scharmer makes it clear that the GVA must already recognise today what may have a competition-distorting or discriminatory effect tomorrow. In this context, free access to data and repair information is becoming increasingly important. The discussion also covers affordable personal mobility, technological openness and end consumers’ awareness of the value provided by the independent parts trade.
Dirk Scharmer is a committed advocate for the Independent Aftermarket (IAM) and describes the strong ‘team spirit’ within the sector. In doing so, he emphasises the importance of the parts industry, which accounts for around 80 per cent of a vehicle, and highlights the tension between own-brand strategies and ‘direct-to-customer’ models in a free market.
