Lesjöfors Automotive produces an extensive range of springs for the European Car and Light Commercial Vehicle market, as well as gas springs, leaf springs and U-bolts. Lesjöfors Automotive customers are parts wholesalers and distributors, supplying components to the aftermarket across Europe and worldwide.
The aftermarket business is known to be cyclical and determined by external factors. The economic situation in general has a major impact on people’s decision to buy a new car or maintain their old one - it is well known that automotive aftermarket businesses usually performs well in times of recession.
The weather also, and in particular freezing temperatures, affect the demand for spare parts, especially springs. But 2020 is incomparable with other cyclical variations. The lockdowns worldwide, connected to governments’ measures to suppress corona virus, have affected business significantly, and, from a producer’s perspective, demand swings have been further exacerbated given marked stock changes throughout the distribution chain.
Another external factor of importance to how the automotive market will transform in the long run is the transition to electric vehicles. The days are numbered for the sale of cars and vans in the European market powered wholly by petrol or diesel. The UK for example has recently announced a ban on such sales from 2030.
“We see similar signals in many markets that actions are, or will be taken to reduce climate change causing emissions. The transformation of the vehicle fleet will require massive governmental investments in infrastructure as well as a preparedness from suppliers like us to adjust to the new market picture. We follow the development closely and are already supplying replacement chassis springs for renewable/green energy powered vehicles, and are ready for what is to come,” says Robert Glynn, VP & general manager of Lesjöfors IAM.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
