Hasmeet Kaur and Cedric Dackam from Mann+Hummel discuss customer-centricity and AI as pivotal factors for growth in the automotive aftermarket in TecTalk, the aftermarket podcast produced by TecAlliance.
The conversation highlights how Mann+Hummel is approaching these strategies to address the evolving needs of the aftermarket industry and the opportunities created by the integration of OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) into the sector.
In the latest TecTalk podcast episode recorded live at TecAlliance’s booth at Automechanika Frankfurt, two leaders from Mann+Hummel, Hasmeet Kaur and Cedric Dackam, shared insights into the company’s evolving approach to the automotive aftermarket. Both leaders bring unique perspectives to their roles, with Kaur joining recently as President of the Transportation Division and Mann+Hummel veteran Dackam, now leading the Automotive Aftermarket segment.
Kaur and Dackam outlined how the company's new Transportation Division strategy leverages synergies across Mann+Hummel’s automotive aftermarket and OE businesses, aiming to adopt a comprehensive vehicle lifecycle approach. This new focus is particularly relevant as the aftermarket adapts to a landscape where OEMs are increasingly integrating various stages of the value chain.
One key point emphasised by Kaur was the importance of customer-centricity as the core of Mann+Hummel’s transformation. She described three primary aspects driving this focus: convenience through a broad portfolio and customer-oriented solutions, reliability through strong operational standards, and competitiveness supported by digitalisation and artificial intelligence. "In this transformation journey, the one core focus we need to have is on the customer. Digitaliation and artificial intelligence will play a key role in enabling us to do so much more with the same ressources," Kaur said.
Dackam, meanwhile, highlighted Mann+Hummel’s global growth strategy, particularly in regions such as Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, where expanding car populations signal opportunities for aftermarket services. He also discussed the company’s commitment to providing both high-performing, sustainable filtration products and comprehensive service solutions, which address the needs of customers worldwide.
The leaders also touched on trends shaping the future of the aftermarket, including the potential of AI to handle complex data, enabling predictive insights and enhancing operational efficiency. As Mann+Hummel continues to innovate in product and service offerings, they reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability and staying close to customer needs through initiatives such as loyalty programs and training for workshops.
To view the full discussion, led by Christian Müller, Vice President Corporate Strategy & Marketing at TecAlliance, visit the TecTalk series:
Apple Podcast: https://tec.al/AP-S03E03
Spotify: https://tec.al/SP-S03E03
Podigee: https://tec.al/PO-S03E03
Audible: https://tec.al/AD-S03E03
YouTube: https://tec.al/YT-S03E03