In this episode of ARA Unscripted, we sit down with Benny Cunningham of Cunningham Brothers Auto Parts to explore how the auto recycling industry is evolving—and where the biggest opportunities lie ahead.

From the early days of family-run yards to today’s complex supply chains, Benny shares insights on OEM partnerships, core programs, and why recyclers are uniquely positioned to solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges.

This conversation goes beyond parts—it’s about how auto recyclers can shift from selling inventory to delivering solutions, adapt to changing demand, and capture untapped market opportunities.

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🔑 Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The evolution of the auto recycling industry
• How OEM partnerships are changing the game
• The “void” opportunity in recycled auto parts
• Why chain of custody and VIN-level tracking matter
• The rise of electronics and complex parts
• How recyclers can increase margins and capture more value
• The future of digital parts selling and VIN-based systems

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 Intro
01:27 Building a Recycling Business From Scratch
05:10 The Power of Relationships in Auto Recycling
08:20 How the Industry Has Evolved Over Time
12:05 The Call That Changed Everything (AER Story)
15:40 The Core Program: A $100M Opportunity
20:10 Chain of Custody & VIN-Level Traceability
24:05 From Parts to Solutions: Working with OEMs
28:15 The “Void” Opportunity Explained
33:05 Flipping the Parts Pyramid
37:10 Why Recyclers Are Leaving Money on the Table
41:20 The Real Problem: Not Listening to Customers
45:05 KarKey & the Future of Parts Selling
49:10 Margin Compression & Industry Pressure
52:00 The Parts “Pandemic” & Supply Chain Gaps
55:10 The Biggest Mistake: Slow Adoption
58:00 Why the Future of Auto Recycling Is Strong

💡 Why This Episode Matters:
Auto recyclers are sitting at the center of a major shift in the automotive industry. As supply chains tighten and vehicles become more complex, the role of recycled parts—and the businesses that supply them—is becoming more critical than ever.

This episode breaks down where the industry is heading and how recyclers can position themselves to win.

🔗 Learn More About ARA:
https://www.a-r-a.org/

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#AutoRecycling #UsedAutoParts #CircularEconomy #AutomotiveIndustry #OEM #SupplyChain #ARA #AutoRecyclers