Maciej Oleksowicz, the president of Inter Cars, Europe’s leading aftermarket parts distributor, discussed the impact of rising fuel prices on consumer behavior and the growing competition from Chinese automakers.
Olekowicz noted that predicting future fuel prices is challenging due to the volatile situation but emphasized that consumer mobility remains a top priority, with demand for fuel relatively steady despite high prices. He pointed out that the current fuel costs have not adversely affected the demand for automotive parts and services, with a noticeable recovery in consumer spending on vehicle maintenance.
He believes that the current economic climate has led consumers to invest in their existing vehicles rather than purchasing new ones. The emergence of affordable Chinese car manufacturers offers many families the opportunity to buy new cars for the first time, which could eventually lead them back to Inter Cars for parts after a few years.
When asked whether he would consider buying a car from a Chinese manufacturer, Oleksowicz stated that while he enjoys testing various vehicles, he views purchasing a Chinese car for long-term use as risky due to potential service availability and brand stability. He anticipates that some Chinese manufacturers may not survive in the long term, which poses risks for consumers regarding resale value and service reliability.
Oleksowicz sees this as an opportunity for Inter Cars to enhance the availability of spare parts for Chinese brands, believing they can offer better service than the manufacturers primarily focused on marketing and sales. However, he clarified that while they are not sending scouts to China, they are closely monitoring the specifications of Chinese vehicles in Europe and sourcing compatible parts for the aftermarket.
The CEO expressed admiration for the rapid improvements made by Chinese automotive manufacturers, noting their ability to iterate and enhance their products swiftly. He pointed out that the core differences between Chinese and traditional European manufacturers are evolving, with the latter focusing heavily on engineering quality, while the former are prioritizing design and consumer features.
Looking ahead, Oleksowicz estimates that Chinese automakers could capture about 30% of the European market over the next 10 to 15 years, although he cautioned that these predictions are tentative as the market continues to evolve rapidly.
He also highlighted structural challenges facing the European auto industry, particularly in terms of high energy prices and competition from China, as well as the slow decision-making processes that hinder adaptability. Oleksowicz emphasized that Inter Cars is expanding aggressively into Western European markets, counter to previous perceptions that Polish companies would struggle to gain acceptance there.
With forecasts suggesting Inter Cars could achieve revenues between 23 to 24 billion zlotys this year, Oleksowicz acknowledged that the main risks lie in their internal organization and the capability to scale efficiently. He stressed the importance of investing in logistics and maintaining a high standard of workforce training to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.
As the automotive landscape shifts towards increased reliance on technology, Oleksowicz noted that modern workshops are becoming more akin to IT centers, where electronic diagnostics are essential for servicing vehicles. He believes that trends such as advanced driver-assistance systems and electric mobility will significantly impact independent workshops in the years to come.
Reflecting on the last decade, Oleksowicz remarked on the declining significance of German distributors, which contrasts sharply with the past when they were viewed as leaders in the industry. The situation now presents a unique opportunity for companies like Inter Cars to gain market share.
