- With approximately 850,000 vehicles reaching end-of-life in Australia each year, the nation generates around 1.36 million tonnes of automotive waste annually.1
- Australians could save an average of $2,144 per driver over five years by choosing recycled auto parts.2
- Eight in ten (82%) surveyed Australian vehicle owners are already open to purchasing recycled auto parts, with 64% citing cost savings as the key driver.3
eBay Australia, alongside Auto PARTnered Solutions (APS), has today announced new findings revealing a significant market opportunity for the automotive industry. YouGov has also conducted a consumer research study to support these findings and uncovered that eight in ten (82%) surveyed Australian drivers are open to purchasing recycled auto parts, demonstrating the demand for recycled supply in the auto market.4 A further 64% of surveyed drivers cited cost savings as the key draw card to purchasing Recycled Original Equipment (ROE), with an estimated average savings of $2,144 per drive over five years by choosing ROE.5 In fact, the analysis by APS suggests drivers of vehicles 7 to 13 years old could potentially save up to 85% by opting for recycled auto parts over new dealer equivalents.6
With approximately 850,000 vehicles reaching the end of their life in Australia each year, the country generates around 1.36 million tonnes of automotive waste annually.7 Recycled auto parts can offer an affordable, practical alternative, helping reduce pressure on landfills. Improving consumer access to ROE can help address a significant waste stream and drive greater opportunities for the industry. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of surveyed Aussie drivers agree that choosing recycled auto parts has a significant positive impact on the environment, a reflection of the growing focus on making conscious purchasing decisions that can help reduce environmental impact and deliver practical benefits for drivers.8
The YouGov research shows that half (49%) of surveyed Aussie drivers have experienced a situation where they needed to find a specific vehicle part but found it was no longer manufactured or was hard to source through traditional retailers.9 This shortage is driving a strong demand for recycled parts and accessible marketplace sellers and presents a growing opportunity for sellers to position themselves as providers of hard-to-find components, expanding their market reach beyond just cost-conscious consumers. What’s more, when presented with two images of an auto part, one new and one recycled, 62% of surveyed Aussies could not correctly identify which of the two parts was the new part, showing that the cosmetic difference between them is often indistinguishable.10
The research further indicated that purchase confidence was boosted by guaranteed fitment (50%), clear warranty information (50%) and easy or free returns (49%).11 These factors not only reassure buyers about quality and reliability, but also save them time and hassle in the purchasing process. When combined with the cost savings and environmental benefits of choosing recycled auto parts, they create a compelling proposition — helping Australians save money, time and reduce their environmental impact while keeping their vehicles on the road for longer.
Gautam Taluja, Category Manager for Car Parts & Accessories, eBay Australia, says:
“From the report findings, we can see the potential opportunity that recycled auto parts sellers have right now on eBay, with 82% of surveyed Australian drivers open to purchasing recycled auto parts, signalling strong and widespread demand.12
As a marketplace, eBay has long supported and strived to help shape the circular economy, with this report acting as a key stepping stone in furthering our efforts in this space, with the intention of continuing to drive initiatives that support both people and the planet.”
Chris Daglis, Managing Director, Auto PARTnered Solutions (APS), says:
“As an industry, we have a unique opportunity to deliver substantial value to consumers while simultaneously addressing major environmental challenges. This report validates that recycled auto parts offer a compelling proposition. Together with eBay, APS is dedicated to fostering the infrastructure and confidence needed for the motor industry to fully integrate and future-proof its operations in an increasingly resource-conscious and cost-driven market. We’re at the start of this journey and will continue improving data quality and transparency to strengthen our climate contribution.”
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1The Outlook for End of Life Vehicles in Australia, Federal Chamber of Automotive (FCAI) and Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA)
2All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 1013 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 1st – 6th August 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian vehicle owners (aged 18+).
3As above
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6Commercial Benefits Analysis: Cost Savings from Recycled Original Equipment Vehicle Parts in the Australian Automotive Market, Auto PARTnered Solutions (APS)
7The Outlook for End of Life Vehicles in Australia
8YouGov Consumer Research
9As above
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Images courtesy of eBay Australia
