MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA —  The emissions control and after treatment components and services segment is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing branch of the North American Class 6 to 8 truck aftermarket over the next six years.

The reason, according to new analysis from the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, is the large installed base and increasing number of vehicles in operation will spur replacement opportunities and attract new market participants.

It has determined up to 2 million Class 6 to Class 8 trucks will enter the aftermarket for emissions control and after-treatment components, driving manufacturer-level revenue from an estimated US$308.7 million in 2014 to US$694.8 million in 2020. The study covers exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves, EGR coolers and diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

“The first batch of trucks outfitted with EGR valves, EGR coolers and DPFs since 2007 is exiting the warranty period,” said Frost & Sullivan Intelligent Mobility Research Analyst Anuj Monga. “These components will require continuous maintenance and periodic replacement, spawning new revenue streams in the Class 6 to 8 truck aftermarket.”

According to the report, the biggest challenge for component vendors is the high barrier of entry due to the nascence of the market and the complexity of the technology. Moreover, most capabilities and technical knowledge rest with original equipment suppliers (OES), giving independent aftermarket stakeholders a disadvantage.

“Although the original equipment supplier channels have the lion’s share of the aftermarket, they will face intense competition from independent manufacturers once the vehicle warranty periods expire,” said Frost & Sullivan.

The firm predicts independent aftermarket companies have been relegated to DPF cleaning, and periodic services will begin to stake a greater claim to the market.

“DPF cleaning is an extremely lucrative market segment in itself,” said Monga. “Therefore, aftermarket companies capable of remanufacturing DPFs and related components for heavy-duty engines will garner substantial profits and establish a niche for themselves in the North American Class 6 to 8 emissions control and after-treatment components aftermarket.”