Society’s push for greater sustainability is also impacting drivers and the aftermarket. A vast majority in the Nordics support reusing spare parts and maximizing the lifespan of cars through maintenance and repair.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the regular use of terms like “circularity” and “reuse” has become something of a baseline expectation in many industries in recent years. Society and consumers are aligning on the path to sustainability, with increased focus on preserving and maintaining what we already have.
Remanufactured spare parts gain momentum
The Mobility Barometer 2024 confirms that consumers are committed to this shift, also when it comes to maintaining and repairing cars. In fact, 65 percent believe it is positive that workshops reuse used spare parts of the same quality as new ones during service and repairs, while only 9 percent of respondents oppose the idea.
While the sentiment remains stable and positive across genders and regardless of whether the respondent resides in a major city or rural area, men tend to be slightly more positive (68 percent) compared to women (61). There are some differences between the Nordic countries as well. People in Sweden hold the most positive attitude (71), followed by Norway (66), Finland (60) and Denmark (57).
Fundamental right to repair
Repairing and servicing a car is essential for reaching its maximum lifespan, which in turn reduces costs, ensures reliable transportation, and often limits climate impact. An overwhelming 9 in 10 people believe this, while only 8 percent oppose such an idea. This sentiment is shared among both men (88) and women (91) as well as across age groups and geographies.
People in Finland see this as fundamental, with 95 percent stating that the option to service and repair your car to reach its maximum lifespan is important. Finland is followed by Sweden (91), Norway (87), and Denmark (84). At 11 percent, Denmark also holds the largest share of people disagreeing that this is important.
Shared responsibility for a sustainable future
The shift towards sustainability in the automotive aftermarket is about aligning with a more conscious society and meeting growing consumer demands, not just following regulations. This change emphasizes the importance of reuse, repair, and sustainable management of both traditional and electric vehicles. By embracing these practices, the industry can succeed while contributing to a greener future.
It rolls more quietly, feels more modern, and promises simpler car ownership. But beneath the surface, a new government vehicle inspection report from Norway shows that electrification is not only changing how we drive—it is also changing how our cars wear and how they need to be maintained.
What if servicing a car were as natural to do yourself as replacing a light bulb? It sounds like a distant reality, but in 2025 students have shown that this could be a possible future. With the ambition to strengthen car owners’ full right to their vehicle—including the right to choose who performs service and repairs—students from Eindhoven University of Technology have developed ARIA (Anyone Repairs It Anywhere), a modular electric car designed to be repaired by the owner without specialized expertise.
In the workshop — among vehicle lifts, tires, batteries, and glowing service lights — the technicians of tomorrow face their greatest challenges. This is where MEKO strengthens its role as an educator and guide through an industry undergoing rapid change. With the launch of MEKO Academy, the Group brings all of its training initiatives together under one shared name, creating a center where knowledge, technology, and professional pride come together.