SEG Automotive has begun remanufacturing EV drive units, starting with the Tesla Model S. The company sees electric vehicles arriving in the independent aftermarket and wants to be ready.
At the recently concluded Automechanika Frankfurt, Ms. Verena Eder, Head of Global Business Strategy Aftermarket, SEG Automotive, told this publication that the combustion engine will hold the lion’s share of the market for the next decade. Even so, EVs are starting to appear in the independent aftermarket, and SEG is preparing for it. The booth displayed the drive unit of a Tesla Model S as proof. The company now offers remanufacturing of such drive units, because the aftermarket needs these solutions, she said.
The company’s booth theme was “power and lean-back quality.” SEG is an original Tier-1 producer. It supplies starter motors, alternators, and 48-volt machines to almost every OEM in the world. Ms. Eder said the same quality goes into its aftermarket products. The booth showed how robust the products are and what quality tests they go through before reaching the market. The factory surroundings were full of greenery, because sustainability matters to the company. SEG uses sustainable materials, makes its products efficient, and gives used products a second life through remanufacturing.
Giving Products a Second Life
According to her, remanufacturing is becoming more important for SEG. The company does it mainly at its plant in Spain. It remanufactures starter motors, alternators, and 48-volt boost recuperation machines. It also handles high-voltage drive units. Demand is rising in every region. More customers want affordable and eco-friendly options, and remanufacturing meets that need, she mentioned.
Local for Local
The aftermarket needs the right product at the right place and time. Geopolitical uncertainty makes this harder than ever. SEG’s answer is to be as local as possible. It is present in almost every region and stays close to its customers. This allows short lead times. The company also keeps enough warehousing facilities. She admitted this costs money and adds complexity. Still, she said it matters more than ever today.
A New Brand with a Long History
SEG became a brand only in 2018, but the company itself is over 100 years old. Ms. Eder called this a challenge. The new brand must now expand into every country. It began in regions close to its manufacturing sites. It is now moving step by step into other countries. The short-term plan is to be everywhere the customer needs SEG, she added.
