Report: OEM set to lose hold of TPMS market
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sector has been flooded with various types and versions of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) products in the wake of the passing of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act. This act makes it mandatory for all new vehicles in the United States to be equipped with a TPMS.
A study on the North American tire pressure monitoring systems market by Frost&Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, reveals that the research and development of aftermarket indirect systems is in the final stage and may directly threaten the TPMS industry in the OEM sector due to price advantage.
“While on one hand many suppliers are developing increasingly advanced systems, on the other several vehicle manufacturers are considering TPMS a commodity, and are in constant search for more cost-effective systems. The market supports those participants who offer inexpensive products without comprising on quality and who have a strong brand image,” Frost&Sullivan reports.
The study adds that many end users are expected to abandon direct systems in favor of the considerably lower-priced indirect ones, once the systems meet TREAD Act’s requirements. Currently, indirect systems are not fit to be implemented as OEM issue, but ongoing developments in advanced indirect systems is expected to change this and help the technology wean customers away from direct systems.
Meanwhile, the rushed implementation of TPMS in the OEM sector, technological advancements and product proliferation have created parts standardization issues within the market, and has especially affected the aftermarket segment of the automotive industry.
“Almost each vehicle model had a distinct TPMS type and some are not compatible with certain diagnostic tools,” said Frost&Sullivan industry analyst Kyu-Min Oh. “Standardization of direct TPMS technologies by OEMs and production of diagnostic equipment that are compatible with the variety of systems by aftermarket tools manufacturers is expected to go a long way in aiding the overall market.”
To take the new OEM implementation in their stride, the study adds, the aftermarket maintenance participants and tire retail channel have emphasized on technician training and consumer education. Since approximately 19 million TPMS-fitted vehicles are expected to be sold annually, it is vital for technicians to have an in-depth knowledge and training about the system.
“It is critical for aftermarket maintenance and tire industry participants such as tire retailers to educate technicians on the wide variety of TPMS products and the repair and diagnosis process for different applications,” the analyst added. “This will help eliminate unnecessary costs such as compensations for damages.”
According to the report, the adoption of TPMS has not only necessitated specific training for technicians but also discouraged the offer of complimentary services such as tire rotations to preferred customers, as TPMS servicing is labor and time intensive.
It adds that maintenance participants also have to invest in TPMS diagnostic equipment to carry out repairs, replacements and re-calibration. Due to the volume of TPMS in use, it is crucial for workshops to have the appropriate equipment to work on TPMS-equipped cars.