Banner promoting IARC 2026 (International Automotive Recycling Congress), 25–27 March 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, with the tagline “One ticket. Full access to congress, exhibition & plant tours” and a “Register now” button.

eBay data points to rising demand for recycled car parts in France

eBay’s 2025 review of the French automotive and motorcycle parts market shows growing demand for recycled components, alongside rising interest in lower-cost alternative new parts. The figures highlight how cost pressures are shaping buying decisions for both repair professionals and private motorists.

Overhead view of stacked used car doors and body panels at a vehicle recycling facility, illustrating the growing market for recycled car parts in France. — Image credit: Shutterstock

Recycled parts gain traction in France

Reused parts are continuing to gain ground on eBay. In its 2025 report, the marketplace says sales volumes in its global automotive parts and accessories segment rose by 12% over the year for components sourced from the circular economy.

In France, the car and motorcycle parts and accessories category now accounts for nearly 50 million listings, including around 20 million recycled parts. That underlines the scale of the second-life parts now offered on the platform.

Repair professionals are helping drive demand

According to eBay, the trend is being driven in part by repair professionals, who are increasingly turning to reused parts to control costs while still meeting customer expectations. On the platform, professional sellers can be identified by the “Approved End-of-Life Vehicle Center” badge.

Among the best-selling used parts, engines rank first, followed by fuel injectors and gearboxes. Electronic control units (ECUs) and other electronic modules are also in strong demand, along with body parts such as doors, headlights and bumpers.

eBay says its recycled-parts offer is performing strongly with both trade buyers and private customers.

Francesco Faà Di Bruno, Head of the Auto & Motorcycle division at eBay, said:

“In a challenging economic climate, professionals are increasingly favoring parts from the circular economy to optimize their costs while meeting their customers’ expectations. For individuals, the search for the best value for money is translating into a greater interest in private label brands.”

New parts buying shifts towards value

The platform’s data also points to changing behaviour in the new parts market. As motorists pay closer attention to maintenance costs, purchasing decisions are increasingly shaped by value for money. That is helping to support demand for private label and alternative brands.

“On eBay.fr, we are seeing a marked interest in private label brands and alternative ranges in the automotive category. Motorists are making more informed purchasing decisions based on budget, while remaining attentive to the compatibility and reliability of parts,” explains Francesco Faà Di Bruno.

Among the best-selling new parts categories in 2025 are turbochargers, headlights, suspension arms, bumpers, shock absorbers and clutch kits.

Export remains a growth lever for sellers

With operations in 190 countries, eBay also gives sellers access to international markets. The company says 80% of SMEs active on the platform export to more than 10 different markets each year.

Within the car and motorcycle category, the most exported products include suspension arms and ball joints, rims, electronic control units, headlights and doors.

What it means for the sector

For authorised treatment facilities and professional parts sellers, the data reinforces two clear messages: recycled parts are becoming a more mainstream purchasing option, and price sensitivity is reshaping demand across both reused and new components. For businesses able to combine traceability, availability and competitive pricing, online marketplaces remain a significant route to both domestic and export sales.

Source www.j2rauto.com