The automotive industry has witnessed remarkable growth in the field of 3D printing over the past few years. Volkswagen aims to produce 100,000 3D printed car parts annually by 2025, while BMW has already manufactured over a million parts, demonstrating the industry’s enthusiastic embrace of this innovative technology. However, significant challenges such as liability, safety, and costs continue to impede large-scale adoption by automotive companies. Consequently, partnering with aftermarket and smaller, more agile firms has emerged as a recommended strategy for individuals seeking to integrate 3D-printed parts into vehicles.
A new avenue for the adoption of third-party products in the automotive industry has emerged with the launch of Toyota’s Associated Accessory Products (AAP) program in 2022. This program allows third-party products to be integrated into Toyota’s car configurators, providing exposure for these products and enabling Toyota to upsell consumers on various branded products with minimal effort. This initiative carries the potential to generate additional profit and revenue for Toyota, while also providing exposure and revenue for the accessory companies involved.
Moreover, the integration of third-party products into Toyota’s system enables customers to finance both their vehicles and the additional components. This presents a significant opportunity for the automotive 3D printing industry to incorporate its parts into vehicles through this program.
The array of accessories available through the AAP program is diverse, encompassing a range of products designed for dogs including bowls and booster seats, catering to pet owners. Other offerings include cargo compartment organizers, coolers, and off-road components. While some products such as catalytic converter theft protection may be suitable for Toyota to manufacture itself, other items like awnings or tents for 4Runners are better suited for production by specialized companies.
Pitching to companies like Toyota to participate in their AAP programs presents an opportunity for collaboration and innovation. Proposing to understand the types of accessories that external firms could develop in collaboration with Toyota could open up a dialogue that taps into existing market needs and fosters innovation.
Partnering with established brands and companies to create custom editions of common tools or accessories could further elevate the uniqueness and desirability of these offerings, while also influencing the market on your own terms.
In conclusion, embracing third-party products in automotive 3D printing presents an exciting opportunity for collaboration and innovation. By aligning with companies like Toyota, the potential for developing high-quality, market-driven products becomes a reality, ultimately enhancing the appeal of car sales and driving more customers to opt for these enhanced vehicles. This strategy not only engages constructively with car manufacturers but also positions firms in the automotive 3D printing industry to innovate and influence the market.
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