The boss of the Autobarn retail chain is expecting the structural shift behind a large spike in automotive parts and accessories sales to continue as consumers accept they will live with elements of the pandemic for years, reinforcing that the car has become more central to households.

Tim Cockayne, executive general manager of retail with Autobarn’s parent company, Bapcor, said on Thursday there was no sign any change in consumer behaviour even in states spared from extended lockdowns.