While price and availability remain key considerations for sales of replacement major automotive units, the environmental advantages of remanufactured products are becoming increasingly important, according to David Eszenyi, Commercial Director of Ivor Searle, in an interview with
Professional Motor Factor magazine this month.
“Remanufactured automotive major units, such as engines and gearboxes, offer significant environment savings and help promote a circular economy by ensuring continuing parts availability for the UK’s ageing vehicle parc. According to a 2025 report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), returning complex and costly vehicle parts to same-as-new or better condition saves as much as 88% in raw materials compared with a new product.”
“As well as saving natural resources, remanufactured products also offer a much more sustainable solution, as considerably less energy and materials are used in the remanufacturing process. The SMMT report also reveals that compared to producing a new product, remanufacturing decreases greenhouse gas emissions by 53%, while energy consumption is lowered by 56%.”
“This is also reflected in our own experience, with engines remanufactured by Ivor Searle conserving around 55kg in core metal, while approximately 85% of the unit’s original components are returned to OEM specification. In addition, all waste metal from the process, such as old pistons and machining swarf, is also carefully collected for recycling.”
“Quality remanufactured also offer customers the benefit of full warranty protection. For example, engines, cylinder heads and gearboxes from Ivor Searle are provided with a transferable 12-month unlimited parts and labour warranty, while a two-year covers turbochargers.”
“Remanufacturing also plays a significant role in the automotive aftermarket where replacement components are needed to repair and maintain the UK’s ageing vehicle parc, with over 40% of the 42 million vehicles on the road over a decade old, according to the SMMT.”
“Based on own experience as a well-established supplier to over 1,500 factor automotive distribution outlets throughout the UK and EU, it is clear that awareness of sustainability is gradually increasing, along with an understanding of the environmental advantages of remanufactured components and major units. Although cost, product availability and quality continue to be the main considerations for garages purchasing remanufactured products, end-users, including fleet customers and private motorists, will increasingly demand a more sustainable approach to vehicle repairs and maintenance and the parts that are used.”
Established in 1946, Ivor Searle offers an all makes range of remanufactured car and LCV petrol and diesel engines, as well as cylinder heads, gearboxes and turbochargers that cover over 90% of the UK vehicle parc. The range is constantly being expanded to ensure it meets the needs of the market. Factors are supported by an experienced sales and customer service team.