A Second Parts Strategy for Ageing Volkswagen Vehicles
Volkswagen is taking a sharper position in the spare parts market for older vehicles with the launch of its new Horum parts line. The range is designed as a more affordable alternative to Volkswagen Original Parts and targets owners of vehicles aged four years and above.
This is a strategically important customer group. Once vehicles move beyond warranty or service contract periods, owners often shift from authorised dealers to independent garages in search of more economical repair options. With Horum, Volkswagen is attempting to keep these customers inside its own workshop network for longer.
Maintenance and Wear Parts Take Priority
The initial Horum range focuses on high-demand maintenance and wear categories, including brakes, filters, wiper blades, shock absorbers and batteries. Volkswagen plans to expand the German-market programme to around 1,200 part numbers, including inspection and service kits.
Pricing is a central part of the strategy. Volkswagen says current Horum inspection kits are around 25 to 30 percent cheaper than comparable original parts. The company describes the range as an economical repair solution for older vehicles, using slightly modified parts and new suppliers while still being approved for professional workshop use.
A Direct Challenge to the Open Market
Horum parts have already been integrated into Volkswagen’s ETKA electronic parts catalogue, allowing authorised dealers to see them alongside genuine parts during identification.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Seat, Cupra and Škoda are participating at launch, while Audi is still considering inclusion. The current focus is mainly on older combustion engine vehicles, but suitable EV wear parts may be added as electric fleets age.
For the independent aftermarket, Horum is a clear signal: OEMs are becoming more active in the value-parts segment traditionally served by independent workshops and aftermarket distributors.
