On 24–25 September 2025, the TecCom Community Meeting DACH took place in Cologne. This year was a very special one, with TecCom celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded in September 2000, TecCom has grown into the leading digital ordering platform of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket (IAM) and has become a key part of the TecAlliance ecosystem.
For two days, more than 50 participants from across the DACH region came together to exchange knowledge, hear from experts, and discuss the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing the IAM today. The event featured a high-caliber line-up of thought leaders and practitioners from across the ecosystem, ensuring diverse perspectives and valuable insights for all attendees.
Key Takeaways from the 25th Anniversary Community Meeting
Since its foundation in 2000, TecCom has played a decisive role in shaping the IAM. Over the past 25 years, the platform has evolved from a pioneering digital ordering solution to an essential part of a global data-driven ecosystem.
The two-day event in Cologne showed just how much the industry is evolving — and how crucial collaboration will be for the next 25 years. Some central insights stood out:
- Transformation is accelerating: Electrification, software-defined vehicles, and new customer expectations are reshaping the market faster than ever.
- Sustainability and regulation are becoming decisive factors, requiring companies to adapt their strategies and processes to stay compliant and competitive.
- Data is the backbone of the IAM’s future. Breaking down silos and enabling seamless data flows will unlock efficiency, foster collaboration, and ensure the industry shapes its own digital ecosystem rather than being shaped by others.
- AI and automation will be delivering real value for the aftermarket, but only if the industry builds the right foundation of cooperation, co-creation and cultural adaptation.
- Marketplaces and new digital sales channels are redefining how products are bought and sold, offering both opportunities and challenges.
- Collaboration and trust remain the foundation: building common standards, sharing data responsibly, and working together as an ecosystem will drive competitiveness for everyone involved.
Highlights from Day 1
The first day focused on global trends, sustainability, and the future of data in the IAM.
- Maximilian Wegner (Roland Berger) kicked off the event with a look at Automotive Aftermarket 2025+, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
- Frank Schlehuber (CLEPA / FAAS) provided an important update on sustainability and EU regulations in the aftermarket, highlighting new requirements and their impact on industry players.
- Marina Ribke (TecAlliance) presented TecAlliance 2030: Vision, Innovation and Responsibility, sharing how TecAlliance is shaping the future with a strong focus on digital transformation and sustainability.
- In a panel discussion on the shift from data to intelligence, industry experts examined how AI and automation are set to reshape the aftermarket, driving smarter processes and opening up new opportunities.
- Bryan Marschall (TecAlliance) gave an update on new TecCom projects and developments, showing how the platform is evolving to meet customer needs.
- Michael Saitow (Alzura) closed the day with insights into the role of parts portals and marketplaces and how they are reshaping competition and cooperation in the aftermarket.
Highlights from Day 2
The second day turned to practical solutions and customer collaboration, with TecAlliance experts showcasing the latest TecCom innovations:
- Christina Meier demonstrated new possibilities of marketplace integration with TecCom and future partnerships.
- Dr. Anastasia Steiner-Kogrina shared how analytics-based decision-making can support sales and portfolio optimisation.
- Carlos Nieto explained the next stage of Order Evolution and how automation potential can be realised in day-to-day operations.
- Masato Dünßer, together with Volker Voss from SKF and Joshua Oestreicher from MAHLE, presented best practices in returns management, showing how efficient processes and data can lead to success.
The event concluded with a strong focus on thinking ahead together and building the future of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket in partnership. Collaboration remains the key to ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from digitalisation and innovation.
The anniversary celebration in Cologne was more than just a look back, it was a strong signal for the future. With regulatory pressures, electrification, digital twins, and AI redefining the industry, collaboration, data quality, and trust are more important than ever.
As one participant summed it up:
“The TecCom Community Meeting is the perfect place to align on where the industry is heading. Celebrating 25 years together makes it clear: TecCom is not only part of the aftermarket’s history but also a driver of its future.”
Click here to access all event presentations (in German)…
