Recently, the People’s Daily column “Business Insights” published an article titled “The Automotive Aftermarket: A New ‘Blue Ocean’.” The article examines the automotive aftermarket from the perspective of expanding service consumption and unlocking the potential of existing vehicle ownership. It highlights that automobiles are evolving from simple means of transportation into intelligent mobile spaces that support diverse lifestyles. Meanwhile, services and consumption activities throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle are creating new growth opportunities for the industry.

The automotive aftermarket refers to all services and consumption activities generated throughout a vehicle’s entire lifecycle after purchase. It covers a wide range of sectors, including repair and maintenance, vehicle customization and upgrades, RV travel and camping, automotive finance and insurance, motorsports, and more. According to international professional institutions, the global automotive aftermarket has exceeded USD 1 trillion in market size, and the Asia-Pacific region is expected to become the world’s largest regional market this year. In China, vehicle ownership continues to grow steadily, while the average age of passenger vehicles is increasing. Vehicles aged over seven years now account for more than 50% of the total. As more vehicles enter frequent cycles of maintenance, upgrades, and replacement, the demand for aftermarket services will continue to expand, providing strong long-term growth potential for the industry.

At the same time, evolving consumer preferences are reshaping market demand. Younger generations’ pursuit of personalization and experience-based consumption is driving the rapid growth of emerging sectors such as car detailing, RV tourism, and automotive events. New consumption scenarios, including trunk markets, drive-in cinemas, and self-driving camping, are becoming increasingly popular. Data clearly demonstrates this consumption trend: according to Meituan, since 2026, orders for vehicle maintenance and usage-related services on its platform have increased by more than 50% year-on-year, with vehicle paint protection films and window films among the fastest-growing categories, recording an 80% year-on-year increase in orders. The shift from functional needs such as “repairing and maintaining vehicles” to quality-oriented consumption such as “protecting and enjoying vehicles” represents a transition from simply owning a car to embracing the automotive lifestyle. This transformation is expanding the boundaries of the aftermarket and becoming an important driver of domestic demand.

The strong vitality of the market is inseparable from effective policy guidance and institutional support. Recently, the Ministry of Commerce, together with relevant government departments, issued the “Measures on Cultivating and Expanding Automotive Aftermarket Consumption”, outlining systematic initiatives in six key areas, including regulating vehicle modifications and supporting RV camping development. The policy addresses industry challenges such as inconsistent service standards and limited transparency in repair information, while also responding to market demands for the standardized growth of emerging sectors. By providing clearer development pathways for businesses, it is expected to stabilize market expectations, stimulate innovation, and promote the orderly and sustainable development of the automotive aftermarket.

The effectiveness of supportive policies depends on successful implementation, which requires adaptation to local conditions and coordinated efforts among different stakeholders. Currently, various regions are integrating policy initiatives with pilot programs for automotive circulation and consumption reform, exploring development models based on their own resources and industrial advantages. Some cities are connecting automotive events with scenic attractions, homestays, and dining experiences to create themed tourism routes that combine “speed and scenery”, linking multiple consumption scenarios into one integrated experience. Meanwhile, many regions are working to eliminate information barriers in vehicle repair services by promoting new models such as “online booking + offline service.” These approaches allow vehicle owners to compare prices, place orders, and receive professional services more conveniently, significantly improving transparency and user experience.

The development of the automotive aftermarket is not only closely related to automobile consumption but also connected to people’s everyday lives. Well-regulated vehicle customization services allow cars to better reflect individual preferences; well-planned RV camping facilities bring people closer to leisure and outdoor experiences; and professional, efficient maintenance systems ensure safer and more reliable journeys. Developing the automotive aftermarket effectively will not only unlock the consumption potential of existing vehicles but also enhance people’s quality of life.

With joint efforts from all parties, guided by supportive policies and driven by reform and innovation, China can accelerate the development of a full-chain, high-quality, and standardized automotive aftermarket service ecosystem. By continuously creating new consumption scenarios and cultivating emerging market opportunities, the automotive aftermarket will not only reshape the future landscape of automotive circulation and consumption but also inject lasting momentum into the upgrading of service consumption and high-quality economic development.

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