MOBILIANS publishes the 4th edition of its PIEC Barometer (parts from the circular economy), which shows a growing adoption by automotive maintenance and repair professionals.
Building on the momentum initiated in 2023 to promote the development of recycled parts from the circular economy (RICE), Mobilians has published the 4th edition of its barometer, produced in partnership with GiPA. This tool aims to measure, over time, the perception and use of RICE by maintenance and repair professionals, as well as the levers for increasing their adoption. Based on a sample of 509 repairers representative of the market, covering all regions and workshop types – RA1, RA2, MRA, auto centers, tire shops, and body shops – the results highlight a very significant increase in professionals’ awareness, interest in, and appreciation of the different categories of RICE, and their integration into their daily practices.
Knowledge of PIEC is clearly improving
The increase in professional competence is confirmed. 81% of repairers declare that they know – or think they know – what PIEC covers , and the proportion of those who know exactly what it represents has increased sharply since 2023 (+34 points).
The major families of parts are being identified more and more clearly, although the acronym “PIEC” is still not widely understood (only 19%).
From a regulatory standpoint, 78% of repairers report being aware of the obligation to systematically inform customers of the possibility of using parts from the circular economy during a repair.
Among those who declare themselves concerned by this obligation ( 75% ), 61% now systematically offer a PIEC , a notable increase since 2023. This recommendation is well accepted: 74% of customers follow it.
As a reminder:
- Reused parts (or second-hand parts ) come from the dismantling of end-of-life vehicles and are traced, checked and guaranteed parts.
The PIEC decree of May 30, 2016 defines them as “components and elements marketed by approved end-of-life vehicle (ELV) treatment centers […] after preparation for reuse within the meaning of Article L. 541-1-1 of the Environmental Code”.
- Remanufactured parts (or exchange parts ) refer to parts that have been refurbished through a rigorous and standardized industrial process. They are thus restored to a state of performance and functionality equivalent to or better than the original, for the same use.
The use of PIEC is increasing in workshops
The study shows that workshops are increasingly integrating different types of parts from the circular economy into their daily practices: 87% of them are in favor of using recycled parts, 33 points higher than 2 years ago.
Used parts play a significant role: 43% of repair shops use them to meet customer demand, and among those who do, 53% also use them for parts other than bodywork. This diversification demonstrates a greater acceptance of used parts and a wider use of them whenever appropriate.
Exchange parts are also on the rise: 65% of repairers report using them systematically or very frequently, an increase of 39 points compared to 2023. This solution remains particularly popular for mechanical components such as alternators, starters, and turbochargers. Among professionals who use exchange parts, 81% spontaneously use this term with customers (up 43 points in two years), and 97% indicate that they have no difficulty offering this option instead of a new part.
These results reflect a real and complementary use of the different families of PIEC, each meeting specific technical needs.
Points of concern still raised by repairers
Although the use of PIEC is progressing, some obstacles remain for some repairers.
Perceived quality remains the main reservation expressed: it is the first reason cited by professionals who do not use second-hand parts.
Issues of availability or supply lead times are also mentioned depending on the types of parts.
The study also shows that 72% of repairers consider it essential to implement a quality certification dedicated to used parts, an increase of 12 points compared to last year.
A committed and continuously growing sector
This fourth edition of the barometer demonstrates the growing integration of PIEC (Personal Protective Equipment) into workshops. Knowledge of the different part families is improving, and their use is becoming more commonplace. Several years after the implementation of the PIEC decree, professionals are clearly embracing the subject.
The sector is simultaneously continuing its structuring efforts, particularly regarding the future certification of ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle) centers and remanufacturing stakeholders. Mobilians actively participates in working groups dedicated to harmonizing and implementing these processes, in order to enhance the clarity and trust surrounding the PIEC (Parts and Equipment Collector) offering.
The organization also continues its discussions with insurers to encourage the use of PIEC after a claim and maintains its action with public authorities in favor of incentive taxation, in particular through the proposal of a reduced circular VAT.
These levers help to support the momentum already underway and to strengthen the deployment of PIEC within the sector.
About MOBILIANS
MOBILIANS is the leading association of business leaders in the automotive sales and repair sector and mobility services: cars, motorcycles, bicycles, commercial vehicles, scooters, etc. Our professional organization represents nearly 180,000 local businesses and 560,000 jobs that cannot be outsourced throughout France. MOBILIANS defends the individual and collective interests of mobility professionals and supports them in the evolution of their businesses. It implements a forward-looking approach to sustainable development and promotes responsible mobility, in collaboration with all stakeholders.
Source www.mobilians.fr
