The Hidden Champions
Today, Western economies are struggling with the demographic challenge of an increasing elderly population and fewer young people, leading to fierce competition for young talent. Some sectors are under more pressure than others. The manufacturing industry, as a whole, is facing significant challenges, perhaps partly due to its own failure to modernize its image. One segment of this industry, known by the somewhat cryptic name "Automotive Aftermarket," is almost entirely off the radar for today's youth. The Automotive Aftermarket is the international term for a variety of industries involved in the production and servicing of spare parts, equipment, and related products for vehicles. As mentioned, this sector remains largely invisible to young university talent. However, the reality is that it actively engages with precisely the kinds of issues that ambitious and engaged young people are passionate about. They just don’t know it—because they’ve never heard of the Automotive Aftermarket. As a result, misconceptions and stereotypes flourish. This may seem unfair to those who work in the industry. In fact, the former CEO of Schaeffer Group, Automotive Aftermarket, has referred to the sector as "the hidden champions" in an effort to highlight this paradox.
