Introduction
This January, TBP Auto attended HDAW 2026 in Texas, joining heavy-duty aftermarket professionals from across North America for several days of discussion, learning, and industry exchange. The event provided a valuable opportunity to step back from product presentation and focus instead on market direction, partner priorities, and long-term implications for the commercial vehicle aftermarket.
A Forum for Real Conversations
HDAW continues to stand out for the depth and quality of its conversations. Compared to large exhibition-driven trade shows, the environment at HDAW encourages focused dialogue among distributors, suppliers, service providers, and industry leaders.
For TBP Auto, this meant meaningful discussions around supply chain resilience, quality expectations, and evolving service requirements in the North American heavy-duty sector. These exchanges offered candid insight into how distributors and fleets are adapting to shifting demand, regulatory pressures, and operational challenges.
>>> Watch more: TBP Auto at HDAW 2026
Key Signals from the North American Heavy-Duty Aftermarket
Several clear themes emerged throughout the event. There was strong emphasis on reliability and uptime, especially as fleets continue to operate under cost pressure and tighter delivery timelines. While pricing always matters, many partners stressed the importance of stable supply, clear quality standards, and suppliers they can rely on over the long term.
At the same time, digitalization is becoming more embedded in the heavy-duty space. Data-driven maintenance, diagnostics, and parts traceability are no longer viewed as future concepts but as practical tools that support operational efficiency.
While electrification remains a longer-term transition for heavy-duty vehicles, incremental changes in powertrain technology and compliance requirements are influencing parts demand and sourcing strategies. Diesel platforms continue to dominate most heavy-duty applications.
Together, these signals reflect a market that values practical solutions, stability, and long-term partnership. For suppliers serving North America, success increasingly depends on understanding operational realities on the ground and aligning product and service strategies accordingly.
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Strategic Value for TBP Auto and Our Partners
Attending HDAW as visitors allowed TBP Auto to assess where our capabilities and priorities align with North American market needs. The insights gained are helping us sharpen our understanding of partner expectations – particularly around product durability, technical support, and long-term collaboration.
“HDAW gave us a clear view into how North American partners think about reliability, sourcing, and supplier relationships,” said Miranda Khuc, Global Sales Manager at TBP Auto. “Those perspectives are essential as we continue strengthening our role as a dependable partner in the heavy-duty aftermarket.”
These learnings will inform how we approach supplier development, quality standards, and communication with partners serving demanding commercial vehicle applications.
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Looking Ahead
HDAW 2026 reinforced the importance of staying close to the market – not just through products, but through listening. For TBP Auto, the visit was an investment in understanding how the North American heavy-duty aftermarket is evolving and how we can support our partners more effectively over the long term.
As we continue to refine our strategy and expand collaboration across regions, the insights gained at HDAW will play a key role in shaping the next steps of our growth.
