Loading ePaper
ATR World Information | Facts | Figures Dynamic Shareholders’ Meeting in Singapore The multifaceted city served as a vibrant backdrop for the first Shareholders’ Meeting in the APAC region 04 06 INDUSTRY Vital advocate: How FIGIEFA promotes fair competition and mobility resilience in Europe’s new political cycle NEW SHAREHOLDER National excellence: Motors Imports, the largest distributor of imported auto parts in Brazil, joins ATR 40 TRENDS Driving force: Why sustainability plays a crucial role in the after market of tomorrow 5 2 0 2 Y L U J – 2 E U S S I
02 EDITORIAL ATR World Dear readers The 36th ATR Shareholder’s Meeting was held in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for the first time from 19 – 22 June 2025. Once again, the event provided valuable networking opportunities for both familiar and new faces within the ATR family all while experiencing the diversity of culture that is Singapore. Please read pages 10 and 11 to get a more detailed review of the whole event. Other recent ATR events include the APAC IPAS Online Meeting and the LatAm Executive Meeting held at Automec, Brazil which included regional supplier recognition awards. Also at this event, we had the pleasure to welcome our new Brazilian shareholders, Motors Imports and Furacão. Founded in 1989, the familyowned company Furacão, is today the market leader in the automotive electrical parts segment including injection electronic parts, in Brazil. Headquartered in Itajaí, Motors Imports has established itself as the leading distributor of imported auto parts in Brazil over the last two decades. You can read more about Motors Imports on page 6. We conclude this issue with an interesting contribution about sustainable thinking investigating why remanufactured parts, sustainable materials and recycling have such a critical role to play in the aftermarket of tomorrow. Please go to pages 40 and 41 for more information. I hope you enjoy the read. Warren Espinoza CEO, ATR International AG
JULY 2025 CONTENT 03 33 41 05 10 18 INDUSTRY 04 FIGIEFA and the Independent Aftermarket in Europe’s new political cycle INSIDE ATR 06 Motors Imports: National excellence in the imported auto parts market 07 ATR APAC successfully organised its 10th Online Event 08 ATR CV: Interesting facts, figures and data from the CV world SUPPLIERS bilstein group: SWAG Rebrands to Inspire UpandCom ing Repair Professionals 21 22 Drive towards sustainability with Bosal 23 Bosch: New tray made of cellulose fibres protects the wiper lip in the sales packaging 24 Continental: ATE brings OE competence and fullrange coverage of products and services 25 Continental: New PRO kits for belt replacement in Peugeot, Citroën and Opel models 26 Elring: It’s vital to have the right cylinderhead gasket 27 FORVIA HELLA OE quality for the Independent Aftermarket 28 Gates wet timing belt new release for Ford Ecoboost engines 29 The MAHLE Thermal Management Campaign 2025 30 MANN-FILTER: Filtration of the future – inspired by nature 31 Magneti Marelli Parts & Services: New LPG Injector range for high performance and longer lifespan (+50%) 32 Nissens: Learn the backbone of reliable AC system service 33 Niterra: NTK Oxygen Sensors – Flawless Pollution Control 34 NRF: Extensive selection of highperformance condensers 09 ATR LatAm strengthened partnerships at Automec 2025 35 Osram: 100 years of innovation and commitment to safe 10 12 14 15 16 17 18 36th ATR Shareholders’ Meeting in multifaceted Singapore LKQ Europe powers the future of mobility through upskilling Goldenlink Auto was part of 2025 Bilstein Roaming Roadshow/Training Seminar Tokić Group: Organic growth, network expansion, and Award for Best PriceQuality Ratio for 35th anniversary Continuous improvements create a sustainable future for KGK KGK: Investment in plastic pallets and reduced waste in the logistics flow MEKO steps up its investment in tyres and commercial vehicles – and takes logistics to the next level 20 hsy Autoparts enters New Zealand market with Speed NZ acquisition driving 36 Purflux: Transmission filter: a new range of Purflux filters for automatic gearboxes 37 Schaeffler: You can‘t always get everything from one supplier 38 Valeo: As good as new, good for your budget, good to better preserve the resources 39 ZF Aftermarket turns independent workshops into experts for driver assistance systems TRENDS 40 Why remanufactured parts, sustainable materials and recycling have such a critical role to play in the aftermarket of tomorrow IMPRINT
04 INDUSTRY ATR World Navigating uncertainty: FIGIEFA and the Independent Aftermarket in Europe’s new political cycle From EU policy shifts to geopolitical shocks, FIGIEFA remains a vital voice for fair competition and mobility resilience The start of 2025 has brought both continuity and uncertainty for the European Union’s political and eco nomic landscape. With the arrival of a new European Parliament and the installation of the next European Commission, Brus sels enters a crucial phase in shaping the policy framework for Europe’s industrial future. For the Independent Automotive Aftermarket (IAM), this transition is more than symbolic: it defines the regulatory environment for the years ahead. FIGIEFA has seized this momentum to ensure that the voice of independent ser vice providers and aftermarket innovators remains clearly heard. As a recognised stakeholder in the European Commission’s Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry, FIGIEFA has actively contributed to the discussion around the recently announced Automotive Industrial Action Plan. Our central message: the com petitiveness of the automotive aftermarket the ‘vehicle lifecycle industry’ is vital to the competitiveness of the European econo my and society and as a whole and deserves an attention of the EU legislator. FIGIEFA has seized this momentum to ensure that the voice of independent service providers and aftermarket innovators remains clearly heard. Key to this conver sation is “access” – both in the digital and physical sense. FIGIEFA continues to advocate for sec torspecific legislation that guarantees fair and secure access to invehicle data, digital functions, and technical information. These rights are not merely about innovation; they are the backbone of effective competition, consumer choice, and climatesmart mobility. The opening months of 2025 have also been marked by mar ket volatility, driven by geopolitical instability, global tariff escala tions, and regional dis ruptions in parts sup ply. Against this backdrop, FIGIEFA has reinforced its position: a resilient is essential for supply chain resilience and for keeping Europe’s mobility network func tioning, regardless of external shocks. Our members – spread across more than 30 countries – enable affordable repairs, extend vehicle lifespans, and help Europe meet its decarbonisation targets. IAM
JULY 2025 INDUSTRY 05 At the institutional level, the new Commission is signalling its ambition to boost Europe’s competitiveness through an integrated industrial strategy. Reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta, along with the broader goals of the Green Deal and Digital Decade, set the stage for new investments in innovation, sustainability, and strategic autonomy. Yet this vision can only succeed if it includes the after market – an ecosystem that delivers local jobs, supports SMEs, and empowers con sumers across the EU. As FIGIEFA engages in highlevel dia logues and collaborates with likeminded European associations such as the Independent Service Providers (ISP) Group and AFCAR, our role remains clear: to ensure that independent operators are not sidelined in the race toward a digital and green economy. This work is not without its challenges. The regulatory landscape remains frag mented in key areas such as access to repair and maintenance information, cybersecuri ty compliance, and the standardisation of vehicle data protocols. FIGIEFA continues to push for clearer guidance, har monised enforcement across Member States, and greater transparency in how vehicle manufacturers meet their obligations under EU law. Another area of growing concern is the economic pressure on SMEs within the aftermarket ecosystem. As inflation, labour shortag es, and investment needs grow, many small operators are struggling to adapt at the pace demand ed by the green and digital transitions. In this context, FIGIEFA is advocating not only for fair regulation but also for support tools – access to training, funding mechanisms, and digital infrastructure – that enable all aftermarket players to remain competitive. FIGIEFA has also prioritised public com munications, stepping up its presence in the media and engaging with new audienc es through podcasts, social media, and stakeholder events. In March 2025, a highlevel panel debate cohosted with Euractiv spotlighted the role of the IAM in strategic autonomy, fairness in data access, and circular mobility. These publicfacing efforts help ensure that the aftermarket is no longer perceived as “footnote” in policy debates, but a central player in Europe’s mobility model. Looking ahead, FIGIEFA’s role is to con tinue building bridges – between policy makers and practitioners, between Brussels and national associations, and between regulation and the realities of the road. At FIGIEFA, they remain committed to ensure the aftermarket’s value is not only recog nised but reinforced in Europe’s evolving industrial framework. The coming months will be critical. As Europe moves from dialogue to delivery, FIGIEFA will continue to defend the princi ples of fairness, accessibility, interoperabil ity and circularity. KEY FACTS The new Commission has signalled its ambition to boost Europe’s competi tiveness through an integrated industrial strategy. Reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta, along with the broader goals of the Green Deal and Digital Decade, have set the stage for new investments in innovation, sustainability, and strategic autono my. Yet this vision can only succeed if it includes the concerns of indepen dent service providers and aftermar ket innovators that FIGIEFA is voicing to Brussels.
06 INSIDE ATR ATR World Motors Imports: National excellence in the imported auto parts market Largest distributor of imported auto parts in Brazil joins ATR family N E W S H A R E H O L D E R With over two decades of experi ence in the automotive aftermar ket, Motors Imports has estab lished itself as the largest distributor of imported auto parts in Brazil. Founded with the mission to serve a demanding niche with quality, agility, and expertise, the company has followed a path of con tinuous growth and has become a bench mark in the sector. Since 2013, Motors Imports has been recognised in the prestigious “Best and Largest in Auto Parts Distribution” award— one of the most important accolades in the Brazilian industry. The company has won the national title in the “Imported Parts” category six times: in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. This achievement solidifies Motors Imports as a national ref erence in the imported vehicle aftermarket and reflects its ongoing commitment to quality, efficiency, and strong customer partnerships. Commitment to quality and long-term partnerships Motors Imports is more than just a parts supplier—it aims to build lasting partner ships with its clients. Its portfolio features over 45,000 items available for immediate delivery, covering a wide range of imported vehicle makes and models, including Audi, BMW, MercedesBenz, Volvo, Toyota, Jeep, BYD, among many others. The company’s mission is to provide complete solutions in auto parts, offering reliable products, specialised service, effi cient aftersales support, and a highper formance logistics structure. Ethics, respect, and transparency guide its rela tionships with clients, suppliers, and employees. Nationwide presence with specialised service Headquartered in Itajaí (Santa Catarina), Motors Imports has branches in key regions across Brazil—São José (SC), Porto Alegre (RS), Curitiba (PR), São Paulo (SP), Campinas (SP), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brasília (DF), and soon in Belo Horizonte (MG). This broad presence ensures national coverage and fast delivery. Each location is equipped with optimised inventory and a trained technical team, enabling efficient custom er service. Ongoing investment in training Motors Imports understands that tech nical knowledge is a competitive advan tage. That’s why the company offers ongo ing specialised training for both customers and employees, in collaboration with man ufacturers. The focus is on proper part usage, reducing application errors, and increasing confidence in the products. This commitment to education rein forces the company’s image as a trustwor thy and technical partner. COMPANY PROFILE Founded: Over 20 years ago Headquarters: Itajaí, Santa Catarina (Brazil) Branches: 9 units operating and expanding (including Belo Horizonte under development) Team: Over 350 employees Portfolio: More than 45,000 SKUs ready for delivery Awards: National winner of the “Best and Largest in Auto Parts Distribution” award in the “Imported Parts” category (2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024) Coverage: Specialised service with nationwide presence Differentials: Technical support, training, and outstanding aftersales service ATR Member Since: 2025
JULY 2025 INSIDE ATR 07 KEY FACTS With over two decades of experience in the automotive aftermarket, Motors Imports, Brazil’s largest distributor of imported auto parts, joined the global ATR network in 2025, marking an important step in its international expansion strategy. “Being part of ATR is an opportunity for technical and strategic growth. We believe in the aftermarket leaders,” says the company’s board of directors. With this new chapter, Motors Imports strengthens its commitment to the future of the automotive sector – more con nected, more technical, and more cus tomerfocused. Strategic partnership with ATR Joining the global ATR network marks an important step in Motors Imports’ international expansion strategy. The company sees ATR as a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, accessing global trends, and building strategic partnerships. ATR APAC successfully organised its 10th Online Event IPAS Online and results-driven business speed dating at its best Another successful ATR APAC IPAS Online event took place from 7–8 May 2025. During the two days of virtual meeting, four key suppliers met eight of our shareholders in a fastpaced, focused business speed dating format in 23 breakout sessions. These sessions continue to prove that strong partnerships don’t need to wait for inperson meetings and emphasised ATR’s strategy of investing in a robust structure at a regional level. Our commitment to grow ing and supporting the APAC business – through collaboration and innovation – remains stronger than ever. And this APAC IPAS Online event provided the perfect platform to specifically discuss and address current local needs and industry issues. KEY FACTS In early May, ATR APAC held an online IPAS event for two days of fastpaced virtual meetings, which provided the opportunity to discuss and address current local needs We would like to express our big thanks and industry issues. to all participants for their commitment.
08 INSIDE ATR ATR World Interesting facts, figures and data from the CV world ATR CV fact sheet for the European Union KEY FACTS About 10% of the worldwide CVs are to be found in Europe. an important CV market. The CV fleet in the EU has an average age of approximately 1214 years – trucks with the highest aver age age above 14 years, in some countries up to 17 years. In 2024 new light commer cial vehicles (LCVs) increased by 8.3%. Key markets are Spain, Germany and France. In Spain truck registrations increased as well, while in other countries new registrations decreased, and busses rose by 9.2%. In Germany, there are approximately 69 million vehicles on the road including approximately 6.5 million CVs – thereof 3.2 LCVs of less than 3.5t and about 1.8 million agriculture machines and 400,000 trailers. As a footnote: If you look at the statistics of the German registration authority, cara vans are also listed under trailers and there are around 770,000 in Germany. Besides the EU, the US is also interest ing. Fun fact: Did you know that 50% of heavy trucks built in the US now come from Europeanowned factories and are based on European technology? This makes the US CV market more and more attractive and apart from the EU and the US, the APAC region with focus on China is becom ing increasingly important. Asia’s vehicle fleet is growing faster than in the US or the EU. In the EU, growth is stable at around 1.7% per year – growth in LCVs is hereby stronger than in HD applications, but over all, the CV sector is growing faster than the PC sector. *Source: https://www.acea.auto/ Out of the circa 1.6 billion vehicles worldwide, some 400 million vehicles are CVs. With approximately 37 million CVs in the EU, about 10% of the worldwide CVs are to be found in Europe, which makes Europe Let’s talk about CV @ ATR with Ralf Schönleber Ralf Schönleber Strategic Account Manager Coordination Purchasing Department Phone: +49 711 91897940 Mobile: +49 160 1575302 EMail: rschoenleber@atr.de Add me to your contacts ATR recognised the importance of the CV sector some time ago and decided to strategically develop this business segment. ATR defines CVs as all vehicles under 3.5t maximum permissi ble mass whose exclusive use is suitable for commercial carrier purposes and all motor vehicles over 3.5t maximum per missible mass. Let us take a closer look at CV facts and figures together. Latest figures on CV car parc can be found as official releases on the website of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.
JULY 2025 INSIDE ATR 09 LatAm ATR LatAm strengthened partnerships at Automec 2025 Shaping the future of the IAM in Latin America KEY FACTS Within the framework of Automec 2025, our ATR LatAm team and regional shareholders gathered in São Paulo from 2124 April to exchange, meet with suppliers and, of course, visit the Automec fair 2025. Their trip was kicked off with the tradi tional ATR LatAm shareholders executive meeting, which provided strategic insights and meaningful connections. Updates on ATR’s 2024 activities and a preview for 2025 were provided, including regional business developments, the onboarding of new shareholders, and supplier news. Furthermore, ATR had the pleasure of welcoming Promotive, with whom ATR LatAm has recently formed a strategic alliance to enhance its shareholder collaboration. The executing meeting concluded with an interactive workshop by Esto es, focus ing on Applied AI in the Automotive Industry. This session offered a fresh per spective on how this transformative tech nology can create tangible value for our shareholders’ businesses. In the evening, just hours before the start of Automec, ATR LatAm welcomed its regional shareholders and key suppliers for a special evening of connection and celebration. This cocktail reception provid ed the perfect opportunity for networking, strengthening relationships, and introduc ing new shareholders to some of the lead ing suppliers in the IAM sector. As a high light of the evening, three suppliers were honoured for their outstanding perfor mance in 2024. Congratulations to the winners bilstein group, Elring and Schaeffler important On the second day, ATR LatAm was present at Automec 2025 – one of the region’s most IAM fairs. Throughout the fair, ATR LatAm met with current suppliers, connected with poten tial new partners, and accompanied our shareholders during their activities. With more than 15 meetings held, ATR ATR LatAm team and regional shareholders gathered in São Paulo to meet with suppliers and visit the Automec fair 2025. ATR LatAm is driving the growth of the IAM sector in the region, strengthening relationships and helping both shareholders and suppliers develop new business opportunities. LatAm continues to drive the growth of the IAM sector in the region, strengthen ing relationships and helping both share holders and suppliers develop new busi ness opportunities. We look for ward to seeing everyone at t h e n ex t regional IAM event and would like to thank all participants and everyone who made this event such a success. Growth Recogni- tion2024: Elring Development Recognition 2024: Schaeffler Support Recogni- tion 2024: bilstein group
10 INSIDE ATR 36th ATR Shareholders’ Meeting in multifaceted Singapore We enjoyed meeting the ATR family again, seeing familiar and new faces and experiencing the diversity of cultures in Singapore from 19 – 22 June For the first time, we held our ATR Shareholders’ Meeting in the APAC region and participants travelled from near and far to attend it. Singapore — one nation, many cultures. A global metropolis, a city in nature. With its many facets, embodying the diversity and dynamism that define our ATR community, Singapore was a unique location for our 36th Share holders’ Meeting that we discovered together with about 110 participants from 19 – 22 June. We kicked off the meet ing with a w e l c o m e cocktail and dinner that included a traditional lion dance performance which was kindly organised by Mick and Cassandra from Goldenlink Auto. The lion dance is not just meant for entertainment but is steeped in Chinese culture and should bring fortune and royal success to everybody as Mick Teh, Managing Director at Goldenlink explained. The performance and the vibrant costumes were truly impressive and a fantastic way to start the evening. The second day continued with the annual general meeting – an inspiring day of presentations, business updates, open dialogue, and fellowship. ATR’s CEO Warren Espinoza presented his business report in which he informed amongst other things about the record combined shareholder revenue of € 40 bn and the record figure in bonus income. The shareholders were updated about the latest developments in the APAC and LatAm regions and were given a summary of the activities undertaken by FIGIEFA and FAAS (Forum on Automotive Aftermarket Sustainability) which represent the interests of the IAM and drive sus tainability in the sector respective ly. Wolfgang Menges provided an update on IPAS and ATR suppliers as well as CV and workshop equip ment & tools developments whereafter Henning Kaeß pre sented on digital activities within ATR and a workshop concept review. Our newest members Mega Auto Parts and Motors Imports were also amongst the participants and presented their companies in the general meeting. Furthermore, we were delighted to wel come Sin Nee Song and Yang Thee Quek from Republic Polytechnic’s Schools of Applied Science and of Engineering who provided valuable insights about Singapore’s forwardthinking, comprehen sive and longterm strategic approach for sustainable development. As a milestone, of the annual general meeting, we would like to congratulate all members of the existing Supervisory Board on their reelection to the Board and fur thermore welcome Andy Hamilton, who was elected as a new Supervisory Board mem ber for the previously vacant position. A huge thanks to all shareholders and speakers for contributing to our annual meeting and making it such a success. True to the motto “Business before Pleasure,” we dedicated our time after the annual general meeting not only to produc tive networking but also to socialising and strengthening meaningful connections that will shape the year ahead. We wrapped up the Friday evening at SKAI restaurant – and just like the name suggests, we went up high above the city enjoying spectacular views of Singapore’s skyline by night, taking our conversations to new heights. On Saturday, we discovered Singapore’s vibrant culture, explored the colourful streets of Chinatown and experienced a tra ditional tea appreciation ceremony. Our KEY FACTS ATR’s CEO Warren Espinoza presented his business report in which he informed members of the 36th ATR Shareholders’ Meeting in Singapore about the record combined shareholder revenue of € 40 bn.
INSIDE ATR 11 and Chinatown. A wonderful Shareholders’ Meeting came to an end, and we travelled back home carrying not only many new impres sions, insights and fresh ideas but also renewed friendships and unforgettable memories. closing evening at Gardens by the Bay was truly spectacular with a traditional cultural dance performance, a magical Supertree light show while savouring Singapore’s rich cuisine and immersing ourselves in a culi nary mix from Geylang Serai, Little India for The preparations the next Shareholders’ Meeting in Marrakech from 10 – 14 June 2026 are already underway. We look look forward to welcoming you for another event of networking and shar ing experiences. But first, we would be delighted to welcome you the IPAS Forum in Berlin from 16 – 18 September and at our Digital Conference and ATR Symposium being held in Barcelona from 21 – 22 October. Welcome to the Supervisory Board, Andy Hamilton! Re-election of former Supervisory Board members We are pleased to announce that the general assembly in Singa pore elected Andy Hamilton to the Supervisory Board of ATR. “I am honoured to join and be able to contribute to the Supervisory Board in the future and look forward to my new position and the tasks ahead,” said Andy Hamilton after having been elected. With over 25 years in leadership roles within the automotive industry and com mercial projects related to digital strategy, revenue optimisation and category man agement, Andy Hamiton, President and Executive Managing Director of LKQ Europe, brings a wealth of expertise to our team. In his private life, Andy loves spending time with his family and has a passion for motorsport, running, traveling and partici pating in charity work. We are happy to have you in our team and wish you a good start at ATR’s Supervisory Board. In addition to Andy’s appointment, the five existing Supervisory Board members were proudly reelected, ensuring continu ity and strength in leadership. The newly constituted Supervisory Board of ATR is thus composed as follows: Terry Knox, Chairman (CD Group), Mihály Lieb, Deputy Chairman (SAG), Andy Hamilton (LKQ), Ziya Özalp (Martaş Automotive), Krzysztof Soszyński (Inter Cars), and Andrey Soyuznov (Forum Auto). We are excited to continue shaping ATR’s future together and thank you very much for your unwavering dedication and valuable contributions.
12 INSIDE ATR ATR World LKQ Europe powers the future of mobility through upskilling Driving growth through training excellence As the automotive industry pivots toward electrification and digital innovation, LKQ Europe is firmly placing skills development at the heart of its strategy. Through the LKQ Academy — Europe’s largest provider of automotive edu cation — it is equipping thou sands of aftermarket profes sionals with the expertise needed to navigate the com plex and rapidly evolving vehicle landscape, from ser vicing hybrid and electric vehicles to delivering a better customer experience and maximising workshop efficiency. Andy Hamilton, President and Executive Managing Director of LKQ Europe A landmark commitment to the EU’s green vision Earlier this year, LKQ Europe announced a major milestone by joining the European Commission’s Mobility Transition Pathway initiative. LKQ has committed to upkill ing 24,000 technicians to safely maintain and repair hybrid and electric vehicles across 11 countries by 2028 — a bold pledge supporting the green and digital trans formation of the automotive sector. This comprehensive training commit ment focuses on hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance, aligning with the EU’s goals to decarbonise and modernise transporta tion. It’s been described as a significant step forward not only for LKQ Europe but for the independent aftermarket at large. The training is delivered through LKQ Academy and encompasses four rigorous levels based on the European Standard EN 501101: • Level 1: Foundations of hybrid and EV components • Level 2: Safety policies for mainte nance and diagnostics • Level 3: Manual deenergising and control functions • Level 4: Advanced diagnostic techniques
JULY 2025 INSIDE ATR 13 KEY FACTS In early 2025, LKQ Europe announced a major milestone by joining the European Commission’s Mobility Transition Pathway initiative. LKQ has committed to upkilling 24,000 technicians to safely maintain and repair hybrid and electric vehicles across 11 countries by 2028. Upon successful comple tion, technicians receive a suite of certifications, includ ing the Safety Policies Certifi cate, Advanced Diagnosis Certificate, and the Certificate of Excellence – all aimed at delivering trusted, qualified service for tomorrow’s mobil ity needs. “Our pledge directly contributes to the EU’s vision of a greener, more digital mobility landscape,” says Andy Hamilton, President and Executive Managing Director of LKQ Europe. “More broadly, our pledge will support the future of the automotive aftermarket as it adapts to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.” Expanding training infrastructure across Europe In 2025, LKQ Europe is set to further invest in its training footprint. It already has stateoftheart facilities in the UK and the Czech Republic and is planning to open another six new or upgraded train ing centres this year. These developments are part of a larger, panEuropean vision to bring highquality training closer to more work shops and technicians. “We are investing significantly in LKQ Academy — improving and expanding its in-country networks and making more courses available,” Hamilton notes. “This way, independent operators can continue to offer motorists the local, personal service they value, with all the expertise and professionalism of a franchise.” Next-gen learning: LMS 2.0 and digital delivery To support the evolution of learning delivery, LKQ Europe started the devel opment of LMS 2.0 in April. This nextgeneration learning management system is designed to modernise how courses are accessed, tracked and man aged across the LKQ Academy’s foot print. It aims to enhance user experience, simplify administration and ensure that technicians can access the most relevant, uptodate training at their fingertips. training is not just a service – it’s a part nership. By sharing knowledge and building capabilities, LKQ Europe is strengthening its ties with workshops, boosting their ability to compete, and supporting safer, more sustainable mobility for all. As Hamilton reflects, “We believe that by equipping people with the right skills, we are investing in the long-term success of our customers — and of the industry as a whole.” Beyond the garage: training for the whole workshop A sustainable European aftermarket While technical training is a core pillar, the LKQ Academy’s reach extends beyond just vehicle servicing, maintenance and repair. With more than 2,200 professional courses offered in 10 languages, the pro gramme includes training for customer service, marketing, and operational staff, supporting workshops holistically as they evolve their business models. At the heart of the LKQ Academy is the belief that LKQ Europe’s investment in training is not just about facilitating the mass market adoption of low and zero emission drive train technology. It is about protecting the future of the independent workshop and ensuring that people and businesses right across the continent can continue to access great quality, great value local repair and maintenance services in the months and years ahead.
14 INSIDE ATR ATR World Goldenlink Auto was part of 2025 Bilstein Roaming Roadshow/Training Seminar A great event to exchange, learn and strengthen partnerships with clients and stakeholders workshops, who have made significant and invaluable contributions that help elevate brand awareness and sales. In conclusion, the two events have allowed for improved integration and com munication between GLA and its clients, crucial factors that ensure more efficient operations. Given the current economic outlook around the world, it is now more Group photo with the Representatives of GLA and Bilstein at the 2025 Bilstein Roaming Roadshow Goldenlink Auto Pte Ltd (GLA) alongside world renowned suspen sion manufacturer Bilstein coordi nated and organised a Bilstein Roaming Roadshow event in Singapore from 810 April 2025. This was followed by a Bilstein Training Seminar held on 11 April 2025, at the iconic Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. With support from longtime media part ner 9tro Group Pte Ltd (9tro), this year’s Bilstein Roaming Roadshow and Training Seminar was a major success, continuing an annual tradition that was first intro duced to the market back in 2013. The Bilstein Roaming Roadshow saw representatives from GLA, Bilstein and and 9tro visit close to 40 automotive workshops across the island. In addition to the local team, Bilstein dispatched Mr. Rainer Popiol to Singapore for both the Roaming Roadshow event and the subse quent Training Seminar. With over three decades of experience, Mr. Rainer Popiol serves as the Head of Bilstein Academy, a critical division of the company that spe cialises in training and technical support. For this year’s Bilstein Roaming Roadshow, a multiprong approach was adopted to maximise efficacy and efficien cy. Relationships with newer customers were strengthened by demonstrating our commit ment to not only growing and developing business together, but the industry as a whole. Conversations with existing partnerships were also fruitful as GLA and Bilstein were able to share updates and details on the global economy, midterm production capacities and longterm strategies, while gaining in return valuable insights and information on the local market. Following on the momentum generated by the Roaming Roadshow dozens of invit ed guests participated in the halfday Training Seminar conducted by Mr. Rainer Popiol and Bilstein representative for the region Mr. James Tan. At this gathering, workshop owners alongside their technical teams were given an educational presen tation on the innerworkings of Bilstein, suggestions on how they may improve their operations, as well as upcoming tech nologies that will be introduced in the near future. Toward the end of the seminar, unique GLA plaques were presented to a select few as a token of appreciation to the (Left to right) Managing Director of GLA, Mr. Mick Teh; Head of Bilstein Academy, Mr. Rainer Popiol; and Bilstein Representative and Trainer, Mr. James Tan important than ever for businesses to adapt quickly to ensure a sustainable future together. As the partnership between GLA and Bilstein continues to deepen, so too will the relationship between GLA and all of its clients, stake holders and partners. KEY FACTS This year’s Bilstein Roaming Roadshow and Training Seminar in Singapore adopted a mul tiprong approach to maximise efficacy and efficiency, continu ing an annual tradition that began in 2013.
JULY 2025 INSIDE ATR 15 Organic growth, network expansion, and Award for Best Price-Quality Ratio for 35th anniversary KEY FACTS Throughout this year, Tokić Group is celebrating its 35th anniversary and organising special benefits for drivers and professional customers, which will conclude with a grand celebration and prizes. Last year’s record sales in the Croatian and Slovenian markets achieved consolidated revenues of 232 million euros, representing a 10.5% increase compared to 2023. frequent local events, employee bonding is also reflected through Tokić Racing Team, which features national and European motorsport champions racing under the Tokić name. With 35 years of experience since its foundation, in 2025 Tokić Group is not just celebrating past successes — it is setting the stage for a visionary future and the next era of transformative growth. Tokić Group, one of the leading IAM distributors in Croatia and Slovenia, made an excellent entry into 2025 following a highly successful 2024. This achievement was driven by sus tained revenue growth and strategic sales network development, com plemented by the organisation of the largest and successful regional fair. Con sequently, the yearlong celebration of the 35th anniversary of the company and the establishment of the national market has begun. Every month throughout 2025, the company will be organising special bene fits for drivers and professional customers, concluding the year with a grand celebra tion and awarding the main prizes. All cus tomers are gathered through the mobile app and the TKLUB loyalty programme, which together count over 230,000 members. Last year’s results were marked by strong organic growth of the Group, achieving consolidated sales revenues of 232 million euros, representing a 10.5% increase compared to the previous year. At the same time, EBITDA amounted to 19.5 million euros, an increase of 11.9% com pared to the previous year. The strategy of investing in people, technology, and expanding the sales net work has shown positive results. Last year ended with 10% more employees, totalling over 1,300 at the Group level, also with eight new branches, while another ten new highly standardised stores will open by the end of 2025. With dense market presence through branches and deliveries, logistics and warehouse capacities have been expanded, especially in the tire business. Record sales results were set and signifi cant market share growth in Croatia, while the positive revenue trend continued in the Slovenian market. The connection between suppliers and customers, alongside advanced communi cation channels and operational precision, has been enhanced by investing in equip ment and personnel at the Technical Education Center (TEC). Special recogni tion also came from the drivers and buyers — Tokić received the “Best Buy Award” in the category of auto parts store chains, confirming consumer trust and recognis ing employee efforts. The award confirms that Tokić offers the best pricequality ratio on the Croatian market, which is a direct result of its expert teams, reliable logistics, and a competi tive assortment. In addition to suc cessful projects and results, the Group regu larly celebrates and cre ates meaningful shared moments with its employees. Alongside
16 INSIDE ATR ATR World Continuous improvements create a sustainable future for KGK KEY FACTS In 2024, KGK took a major step forward in its improvement work within the organisation. A short pilot project in 2023 laid the foundation for a broader improve ment work implementation that now permeates the entire company. At the heart of this work is a clear ambition: to link improvement work to sustainability in all its aspects – social, economic, and environ mental. A structured approach to sustainability Improvement work is not just about reducing costs and streamlining processes; it’s also about creating longterm positive appointment and training of improvement leaders for each department. The method that employees are trained in and that is implemented for working with improvements is called “PDCA,” which stands for Plan, Do, Check, Act. It is a proven methodology for solving problems and improving processes in organisations. The focus on sustainability has become an important part of the training, and KGK wants to ensure that this perspective is always included in decisionmaking. In this way, one can identify and eliminate waste in all its forms – whether it’s related to resources, time, or energy. want Jessica Dymén, Head of Sustainability at KGK, explains: “We sustainability to be a natural part of every step we take. Working in a structured way with improvements gives us the tools to ask the right questions and create solutions that are sus tainable both in the short and long term.” Marika Brine, Quality Manager, KGK Autoexperten impact. During 2024, KGK took a compre hensive approach on how to work internally with improvements and changes – a project that, among other things, has led to the From pilot to culture What began as a small project has now grown to become part of everyday life at KGK. The pilot pro ject in the Finance Department during 2023, which aimed at reducing stress and workload, focused on structuring daily rou tines for employees and addressing the Since 2024, KGK has taken a comprehensive approach on how to work internally with improve ments and changes – a project that, among other things, has led to the appointment and training of improvement leaders for each department. root causes of stress. This resulted in a more balanced work environment and clearly demonstrated that the methodology works. Marika Brine, Quality Manager, has been a driving force in both the pilot project and the continued implementation of improve ment work. “We saw early on that this was something that could benefit the entire organisation. It’s about creating a culture where everyone asks the question: How can we do this better? That’s how we ensure longterm sustainability.” Sustainability as a guiding principle A central part of the improvement work is to always consider sustainability as an aspect of decisionmaking. By working to make this part of their culture, KGK is build ing an organisation that is not only efficient but also flexible and sustainable in the long term. “Through the improvement work, we have learned that sustainability is not something that comes last in the process – it’s something we think about from the beginning. That’s how we create value for our customers, our employees, and the environment,” summarises Marika.
JULY 2025 INSIDE ATR 17 Investment in plastic pallets and reduced waste in the logistics flow KGK’s logistics centre in Enköping has taken another step towards more sustainable and efficient delivery handling. By replacing traditional wooden pal lets with plastic pallets made from 100% recycled material and intro ducing a new filling material, purchases and consumption at KGK have been reduced. From wood to plastic – a natural development Transitioning from wooden pallets to plastic pallets has been on KGK’s agenda for a long time. Previously, plastic pallets were a more expensive option, but through a collaboration with the Swedish supplier Impossible Plastics, KGK has now been able to invest in a sustainable alter native without compromising on cost. “We started by testing three plastic pallets to see how they worked in our operations, and the result was beyond expectations. After that, we purchased 200 pallets for a larger evaluation,” says Patrik Enberg, Logistics Manager at KGK. The plastic pallets are primarily used in deliveries to Autoexperten stores and have quickly proven to be a better alter native. They last longer, are more durable, and can be used in a circular flow, where they are continuously reused instead of disappearing from the system. Reduced environmental impact and improved workflow In addition to being more durable than wooden pallets, the plastic pallets also contribute to our sustainability goals, something Patrik views positively. “A wooden pallet lasts a long time, but it doesn’t always come back to us. Previously, every other month, we had to purchase around 300 wooden pallets to cover those that went missing. It feels better knowing we are working with recy cled material, as it reduces the need to cut down trees.” Another major advantage is the new filling material in deliveries. Previously, large amounts of paper were used to pro tect the goods, but now KGK has switched to a shockabsorbing material made from recycled plastic. “It’s much more efficient. Previously, we used five to ten metres of paper to fill a box. Now, it’s usually enough with five small cushions of KEY FACTS By replacing traditional wooden pallets with plastic pallets made from 100% recycled material and introducing a new filling material, purchases and consump tion at KGK have been reduced. the new material,” explains Patrik. The new material also weighs less, making the packages easier to handle while simultaneously reducing the envi ronmental impact of transportation. A sustainable circular flow One of the major advantages of the plastic pallets is that, just like the new fill ing material, they can be completely recy cled. When the pallets have reached the end of their lifespan, they are sent back to Impossible Plastics, where they are ground down and used to manufacture new pallets. “We now have a system where we reduce waste, improve work flow, and, at the same time, take respon sibility for our environmental impact. It’s a good step forward,” concludes Patrik.
18 INSIDE ATR ATR World MEKO steps up its investment in tyres and commercial vehicles – and takes logistics to the next level MEKO is making a major push into new product segments while significantly expanding its logistics capabilities. In March, MEKO took a major step forward in the tyre segment by signing a strategic partnership with Goodyear, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers. The aim is to support more workshops and vehicle owners with the right tyres at the right price – regardless of vehicle type. MEKO already runs a successful tyre busi ness in Denmark, and this expansion is built on proven results and growing demand. The Group now aims to increase its tyre sales by approximately 30% by the end of 2026. “Tyres are a timeless product and will only grow in importance for workshops moving forward,” says Oscarson. “Vehicles are getting heavier, placing higher demands on tyre performance and durability. At the same time, tyres generate regular customer visits and strong upselling potential. That makes tyres a strategic growth area for us.” A similar growth initiative was announced just weeks after the Goodyear deal. MEKO is now creating a new divi sion for commercial vehicles – including vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans. The goal is to achieve the same strong market position in commercial vehicles as in passenger cars, where MEKO is cur rently the market leader. To lead this expansion, MEKO has appointed experi The ambition is clear: to reinforce its position as the market leader in Northern Europe – and unlock new avenues for growth. “We’re accelerating, plain and simple. Both by expanding into segments like tyres and commercial vehicles, and by bringing online our state-of-the-art warehouses in Norway, Denmark and Finland,” says Pehr Oscarson, President and CEO of MEKO. 2024 was a dynamic year for MEKO. Operating across eight Northern European markets under wellknown wholesale and workshop brands like Mekonomen, FTZ, InterTeam, Fixus and BilXtra, MEKO advanced on multiple fronts. Among other things, it focused on the construction of three major logistics centres while also nearly doubling its market size in Poland through the acqui sition of the wholesaler Elit Polska. These efforts formed part of the broader “Building a stronger MEKO” initiative, aimed at strengthening profitability and market position. And 2025 is off to a fastpaced start. Pehr Oscarson, President and CEO of MEKO
JULY 2025 INSIDE ATR 19 enced automotive industry leader Nils Hollmann as the head of its newly estab lished commercial vehicle division. “This too is a strategic growth initiative. As with tyres, we’re building on successful local businesses across our Group,” explains Pehr Oscarson. “For example, we’ve run a strong business under the MECA Truck brand in Norway, and we see substantial long-term potential. At the same time, we’re broadening our definition of commercial vehicles to go beyond just heavy trucks. We have what it takes to become as big in this segment as we are in passenger cars.” A key to achiev is ing this goal availability – being there when opera tors and fleet own ers need support. Every hour a truck or delivery van is off the road means lost income or missed opportuni ties. Parts must be delivered quickly, repairs carried out fast. With MEKO’s dense geographic network of branches and workshops, Oscarson sees a clear opportunity to become the goto partner for those who operate and own commercial vehicles. And delivering the right part at the right time depends on one thing: world class logistics. MEKO’s centralised pro curement organisation and distribution capacity will grow significantly in 2025. The new logistics centres, under con struction throughout 2024, are now near ing completion – all at once. In Norway, just outside Oslo, MEKO has built a central warehouse the size of four IKEA stores. With modern Autostore tech nology operating around the clock, cus tomers in Norway will be served faster than ever. Previously, this market relied on deliveries from MEKO’s Swedish ware house. The Oslo facility officially opened in late May. In Denmark, a new hightech logistics hub has also come online – the size of five football fields. It also houses MEKO’s Danish headquarters and a training cen tre. The result: faster handling and enhanced service for customers across Denmark. In Finland, MEKO is replacing manual warehouse operations in Helsinki with a fully automated Autostore system. The upgrade boosts efficiency and raises the standard for customer deliveries. As if that weren’t enough, MEKO is also expanding in Poland, a highpotential market. In 2025, its Polish operations will move into a warehouse in Warsaw that is nearly twice the size of the current one. Oscarson sees these steps as trans formative for the entire Group. “Simply put, we’re lifting our logistics capacity to a new level. This is a new phase where we are not only strengthening our position in the independent aftermarket. We also cre ating entirely new growth opportunities by offering worldclass logistics solutions across our markets,” he says. KEY FACTS In March, MEKO took a major step forward in the tyre segment by signing a strategic partner ship with Goodyear. MEKO is also creating a new division for commercial vehicles – including vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans. The goal is to achieve the same strong market position in commercial vehicles as in passenger cars, where MEKO is currently the market leader. And the new logistics centres, under construction throughout 2024, are now nearing completion.
20 INSIDE ATR ATR World hsy Autoparts enters New Zealand market with Speed NZ acquisition hsy Autoparts strengthens Asia-Pacific presence by acquiring New Zealand distributor Speed NZ Leading European automotive parts supplier hsy Autoparts has expanded its AsiaPacific footprint with the acquisition of a majority stake in Speed NZ, New Zealand’s largest independent distributor of European car parts. This strategic move marks hsy’s first expansion beyond Australian shores and reinforces its commitment to delivering premium parts, expert advice, and excep tional service to workshops across the region. KEY FACTS Speed NZ, New Zealand’s largest independent distributor of European car parts, was acquired by hsy Autoparts – a leading European automotive parts supplier. With hsy’s 62+ years of industry experience now support ing Speed NZ, customers across New Zealand can expect enhanced inventory availability, smarter systems and technology, more competitive pricing, and delivery solutions tailored to their needs. Founded in 2008, Speed NZ has earned a strong reputation for supplying highquality European parts and fluids to the New Zealand market. With five loca tions, a team of 23 automotive profession als, and annual revenues of NZD$ 8–10 million, the business brings extensive local knowledge and customer relationships to the hsy group. Speed NZ services a wide customer base, specialising in independ ent European workshops, and also sup ports the smash repair and automotive glass sectors. Speed NZ’s product portfolio includes Genuine, OEM, and toptier aftermarket parts, and is bolstered by the exclusive dis tribution of Liqui Moly lubricants in New Zealand — a brand synonymous with German engineering excellence. “New Zealand represents a significant growth opportunity for hsy Autoparts,” says Peter Tippner, General Manager of hsy Autoparts. “By partnering with Speed NZ, we are combining our operational expertise, purchasing power, and technical knowhow with a respected local brand that shares our focus on quality, service, and customer success.” The acquisition follows a longstanding relationship between the two businesses. Speed NZ founder Haddon Lock and hsy have maintained close ties for nearly a decade, united by a shared approach to delivering premium products at competi tive prices, underpinned by deep technical understanding and a customerfirst mindset. With hsy’s 62+ years of industry expe rience now supporting Speed NZ, custom ers across New Zealand can expect enhanced inventory availability, smarter systems and technology, more competi tive pricing, and delivery solutions tailored to their needs. The goal is to build on Speed’s solid foundation and further ele vate the service levels workshops rely on. While Haddon Lock will step back from daytoday operations, he will remain a shareholder and a Director of Speed NZ, ensuring a smooth transition and retain ment of market knowledge and IP. Haddon’s continued involvement also rein forces a shared commitment to longterm growth and success. For hsy Autoparts, this is more than an acquisition — it’s the beginning of a new chapter in delivering outstanding value and support to workshops across New Zealand, and a key step in hsy’s broader international growth strategy. To find out more about hsy Autoparts, click here, or learn more about Speed NZ here.
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 21 SWAG Rebrands to Inspire Up-and-Coming Repair Professionals SWAG, a leading provider of OE matching replacement parts since 1954, has launched a brand cam paign positioning itself as The Modern Choice for European Vehicle Repair. A High-Impact Campaign Built for the Workshop Community To engage professionals at every level of the industry, ‘Show Your SWAG’ is support ed by a comprehensive media package. Highenergy workshop and product video snippets showcase the realworld use of SWAG parts in professional settings, rein forcing their quality and performance. ‘Show Your SWAG’ is the campaign mot to, designed to connect with the next gen eration of repair professionals. Empowering Distributors with a Modern Approach to Automotive Repair ‘Show Your SWAG’ is more than a mar keting initiative; it’s a statement of SWAG’s forwardthinking approach to vehicle repair. That is why SWAG is also introducing a new brand claim: ‘Your Way. Your Choice.’ It’s your way and it’s your choice, that is what expresses everything SWAG stands for best. Life is all about taking the right direc tion and making the right decisions, and so is automotive repair. With SWAG, you have the freedom to choose the best keeping you moving, exploring and owning every mile of the open road. The campaign embraces the profession alism, expertise and passion of today’s automotive repair industry, ensuring that distributors can offer their customers prod ucts that match the high standards expect ed in modern workshops. SWAG’s struc tured product portfolio allows for efficient inventory management, while its strong brand identity enhances customer trust and loyalty. Watch our campaign video here. A Commitment to the Future of European Vehicle Repair “Our new brand campaign marks a signif icant step in SWAG’s journey,” says Dominic Lammert, Divisional Director Global Brand Management. “With ‘Show Your SWAG’, we are reaffirming our role as The Modern Choice for European Vehicle Repair, while also celebrating the expertise and dedica tion that define our industry. This campaign is aimed at those who drive the future of automotive repair – distributors, profes sional workshop teams and the next gener ation of repair specialists.” FOLLOW US Click to enter the SWAG Community. SWAG era is here. It’s time to Show Your SWAG. KEY FACTS SWAG has been a leading provider of OEmatching replacement parts since 1954. Your Benefits • Quality – OE: Matching and tested quality is the driving force behind our cuttingedge, simplified range • Wide Coverage: 25,000 replacement parts, perfectly structured in five streamlined product groups, offering endless repair possibilities • Tech-Mastery: Engineered by experts for professionals and the techsavvy • Legacy: Built on experience since 1954, driven by innovation for today Driving Growth Together – Join the Movement! ‘Show Your SWAG’ invites distributors, workshops and repair professionals to align with a brand that embodies innovation, reli ability and passion for the trade. SWAG is committed to supporting its partners with highquality parts and effective marketing tools, ensuring mutual success in an evolv ing market. Discover more about the cam paign by following SWAG on social media and visiting our website.
22 SUPPLIERS ATR World Drive towards sustainability with Bosal At Bosal, they are committed to New Items providing innovative solutions that not only meet your needs but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Alongside their highquality mounting materials, Bosal is proud to offer a specialised range of Repair Parts designed to bring sustainable and budgetfriendly solutions to the automo tive market. Why Choose Bosal Repair Parts? • Sustainability: Fix or replace only the broken parts instead of the entire component. This reduces waste and conserves resources. • Cost-Effective: Save money by only replacing necessary parts. • Quality: High standards ensure reliable performance. For complex issues, please consult an expert to determine if a full replacement is needed. Join Bosal in driving towards a more sustainable future, one repair at a time! Connect with Bosal on LinkedIn or go to the cataloque website. KEY FACTS Bosal offers a specialised range of repair parts designed to bring sustainable and budgetfriendly solutions to the automotive market. Mounting and Repair Parts Repair Parts
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 23 New tray made of cellulose fibres protects the wiper lip in the sales packaging • Formed cellulose fibres replace PET plastic in the packaging for Aerotwin wipers • Switching to packaging that is completely suitable for paper recycling saves more than 350 tons of plastic annually • The new packaging still protects the wiper lip of the high-quality Aerotwin wiper blades from potential damage during transport protection for Robust sales packaging provides optimum the highquality Bosch Aerotwin wipers, safeguarding them from damage during transport and storage. Inside the outer carton, the windshield wipers are secured in a tray to protect the delicate wiper lip. This tray, which was previously made of PET plastic, is now made of a cellulose fibrebased material that is comparable to cardboard and comes from sustainably managed forests. As a result, all the pack aging for the Aerotwin windshield wipers is environmentally friendly and can go into paper recycling. The packaging has been printed with PAP 21, a recycling code that indicates it is comprised of noncor rugated paperboard made from wood fibres. Taking Aerotwin production for 2023 as a point of reference, the change to environmentally friendly packaging saves more than 350 tons of plastic a year. Environmentally friendly sales packaging for Aerotwin wind- shield wipers rolled out worldwide The shape of the new cellulosefibre packing tray is largely identical to that of the previous plastic tray, and protects the lip of the Aerotwin windshield wiper just as well from potential damage during transport as in the past. Retaining the shape also means it wasn’t necessary to retrofit any of the automatic packaging lines in Bosch wiper production. The new environmentally friendly packaging for Aerotwin sets and for single wipers are being rolled out at all Bosch manufactur ing sites in Europe. Aerotwin windshield wipers for passenger cars, trucks, and buses are available worldwide in the new packaging. The rubber mixture in the Aerotwin wiper blades features Power Protection Plus (PPP) and patented coating, making KEY FACTS Aerotwin’s change to environ mentally friendly packaging in 2023 saves more than 350 tons of plastic a year. it especially long lasting and resistant to wear and harmful substances. This means the wiper lip achieves optimum wiping performance and windshield cleaning, whatever the weather conditions. To ensure the Aerotwin windshield wipers reach the consumer in our expected high quality, they come in robust packaging that is now made entirely from recyclable waste paper and is designed especially to protect the wiper lip from damage during shipping.
24 SUPPLIERS ATR World ATE Quality Initiative 2025 ATE brings OE competence and full-range coverage of products and services ATE has been setting standards in terms of quality for almost 120 years. With its latest quality initiative, the ATE premium brake brand highlights the values that have driven its success and resulted in one of the most comprehensive brake product and service portfolios in the Automotive Aftermarket. The ATE Quality Initiative 2025 presents key aspects in four major areas, showcasing its portfolio in the Automotive Aftermarket: experience, quality, portfolio and service. lio is the result of almost 120 years of expe rience in the braking sector and longstanding partnerships. This expertise is reflected in ATE’s modern products, such as the ATE Ceramic Brake Pads and the New Original line, which includes sustainable innovations for the brakes of the future. Long-lasting services and sustainability The ATE Quality Initiative 2025 places significant emphasis on sustainability. This includes not only longlasting, resourceef ficient product design but also optimised packaging concepts utilising reusable materials, recyclable tinplate cans as well as environmentally friendly colors and adhesives. Complementing the product offerings is a broad service portfolio, featur ing a complete ecosystem for professional automotive services. This includes technical documentation, an expert hotline, (online) training courses, an attractive workshop module and a digital knowledge platform – all designed to assist and prepare work shops today and in the future. KEY FACTS ATE uses OE development and testing specifications to ensure comparable quality down to the last detail. As a result, products last longer and workshops benefit from smooth installation. ATE Ceramic Brake Pads In the field of braking, where safety is fun damental, quality is more than just a fea ture. It can be the crucial difference between average and exceptional perfor mance when it truly matters. When it comes to quality, one of the greatest advantages of partnering with ATE is its extensive experience in the Original Equipment (OE) sector. Not only do Original Equipment Manufacturers heavily rely on ATE prod ucts, demonstrating their high quality, but a significant share of the products entering the Automotive Aftermarket are identical to those used in OE manufacturing. For the few remaining products, ATE uses OE development and testing specifications to ensure comparable quality down to the last detail. As a result, products last longer and workshops benefit from smooth installa tion – which is crucial in their fastpaced service environment. Full-line portfolio of products and services Longterm product knowhow and a deep understanding of customer needs are supported by one of the most comprehen sive brake programs in the Automotive Aftermarket. The product range covers around 98% of the European passenger vehicle fleet. Therefore, when it comes to braking solutions, ATE is a OneStopShop not only for workshops but also for distrib utors, offering reduced complexity, simpler logistics as well as consistent product qual ity and compatibility. The broad ATE portfo
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 25 Timing belt replacement New PRO Kits for belt replacement in Peugeot, Citroën and Opel models Two sets cover a wide range of models from the former PSA Group. The PureTech engine from the PSA Group succeeded in combining the power of a 1.6liter engine with the economy of a 1.2liter unit. It was fitted across practically all of the group’s prod uct range and was named Engine of the Year four times in succession between 2015 and 2018. Consequently, there are a huge number of vehicles with this engine on Europe’s roads – and they’re gradually coming into workshops to have their tim ing belts replaced. Everything in one set Further kits are planned The PRO Kits CT1228K3PRO and CT1228K4PRO now make work easier for workshops. They provide workshop pro fessionals with everything they need to change the timing belt on the PureTech engine: tensioner and idler pulley, various gaskets for timing cover and cylinder head cover, the crankshaft bolt and two bolts for the camshafts. And that’s not all! The Vribbed belt (ELAST belt) for the water pump is also included. The CT1228K3PRO and CT1228K4PRO Kits have been specially designed for the turbocharged engines in this engine series. Thanks to their compromisefree quality, they come with a fiveyear guarantee for registered workshops. Meanwhile, ContiTech is already working on kits for the naturally aspirated PureTech engines. KEY FACTS By providing everything work shop professionals need to change the timing belt on the PureTech engine: tensioner and idler pulley, various gaskets for timing cover and cylinder head cover, the crankshaft bolt and two bolts for the camshafts, the PRO Kits CT1228K3PRO and CT1228K4PRO make work easy for workshops.
26 SUPPLIERS ATR World ATR World Ford EcoBlue 2.0 Diesel It’s vital to have the right cylinder-head gasket The Ford EcoBlue 2.0 Diesel, also version achieves even better fuel efficien cy, higher performance and lower emis sions thanks to technical upgrades such as higher injection pressure, an improved exhaust aftertreatment system, biturbo charging and advanced control. These adaptations ensure compliance with future emission standards. Cylinder-head gasket from Elring – Quality and reliability In these engines, the cylinderhead gasket is a particularly critical component that has to withstand high loads due to the wide power range of 105 to 240 hp. To ensure tightness and stability under these conditions, Elring relies on modern multilayer metal cylinderhead gaskets known by the code name “Panther”, is a modern turbo diesel engine developed by Ford and used in a variety of vehicles. This engine meets the demanding Euro 6 emissions and effi ciency standards and demonstrates how Ford is combining forwardlooking tech nology with improved performance and high fuel efficiency. Differences between first and second generation The Ford EcoBlue 2.0 has been on the market since 2015. The second genera tion, available from 2018, offers signifi cant improvements in emissions, efficien cy and driving comfort. This enhanced First generation Second generation KEY FACTS For the Ford EcoBlue 2.0 turbo diesel engine, Elring supplies cylinderhead gaskets with thicknesses from 1.50 to 1.80 mm in fine increments of 0.05 mm. (MLS), which were specially developed for the extreme pressure and temperature conditions in the Ford EcoBlue engine. For engines up to the construction year 2018, the thickness of the cylinderhead gaskets is 1.30 to 1.50 mm. This was increased from 1.50 to 1.80 mm from 2018 to adapt to the increased requirements. The 4layer design was also changed to a 5layer version from 2018. Elring is now going a step further here by offering an advanced 6layer design that provides a higher load capacity and improved tight ness and is therefore technologically superior to previous standards and devel opments. The aim is to better absorb the exceptional loads that the cylinderhead gasket is exposed to in these engines, and to ensure the durability and efficien cy of the engine in the long term. The right choice is crucial For the Ford EcoBlue, Elring supplies cylinderhead gaskets with thicknesses from 1.50 to 1.80 mm in fine increments of 0.05 mm. The choice of the most appro priate gasket depends on various factors, including the piston material (aluminium or steel). Elring has created special ser vice information to make it easier to select and install the right gasket. It contains important information on piston protru sions, notch systems, and OE references and provides reliable support for correct use of the cylinder head gasket. Of course, Elring offers a complete range of gaskets for the EcoBlue that goes far beyond the cylinderhead gasket, helping to ensure reliable performance of the entire engine.
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 27 FORVIA HELLA OE quality for the Independent Aftermarket At FORVIA HELLA, the same pas for the Aftermarket using the same prin ciples and processes applied in OE devel opment. This ensures that each product meets the exact fit, function, and design specifications of the original part. sion, precision, and performance of Original Equipment (OE) manu facturing are brought directly into the Independent Aftermarket. Vehiclespe cific lighting solutions are developed, produced, and tested by FORVIA HELLA according to the exact same standards as OE parts. From the very first spark of develop ment to the final handover to the Aftermarket, every step is infused with OE quality: Production All components are manufactured in the same facilities, using the same advanced machinery and tooling as the OE parts. This consistency guarantees toptier quality and longterm reliability. Development FORVIA HELLA engineering teams design vehiclespecific lighting systems Every product undergoes rigorous testing based on the same performance criteria and quality benchmarks applied Testing KEY FACTS FORVIA HELLA engineering teams design vehiclespecific lighting systems for the Aftermarket using the same principles and processes applied in OE development. to OE parts. From durability to light out put and beam precision – nothing is left to chance. Transfer to the Aftermarket OE expertise extends beyond the pro duction line and is consistently trans ferred into the Independent Aftermarket. This makes highend lighting solutions accessible to workshops, distributors, and vehicle owners worldwide. Light up! Install high-quality vehicle-specific lighting solution! FORVIA HELLA creates topquality, vehiclespecific lighting solutions suita ble for a wide range of vehicle types – from private cars to commercial trucks. With FORVIA HELLA, every installation stands for trust, performance, and OElevel quality.
28 SUPPLIERS ATR World ATR World Gates wet timing belt new release for Ford Ecoboost engines Gates Powergrip™ – Belt-In-Oil belts for Ford EcoBoost applications At present two timing belts are available in the Gates BeltInOil range for Ford EcoBoost 1.0 litre applications, (A) T354HOB and (B) T359HOB. The difference being the width of the belts 18.1mm and 16mm, and both timing belts are also available in various Gates Powergrip Kit for mats, shown below. For further vehicle application details, also visit Gates online catalogue here. details Why choose Gates Belt-In-Oil for your EcoBoost Detailed Gates belt specifications for 1.0 litre Ford EcoBoost applications: The new range of Gates BeltInOil belts offers significant enhancements for installers and their garage customers. They provide improved wear, chemical resistance, belt back resistance and low belt elongation over life (therefore enhanced lifetime safety). Gates Powergrip™ - Belt-In-Oil Standard Kits and Super-Kits for Ford EcoBoost applications Gates BeltInOil Powergrip™ Kits fur ther enhance Gates product portfolio, the range consists of Gates standard kits (C), which contain timing belt, tensioner + fix ing bolt, crankshaft oil seal and crankshaft fixing bolt to complete a standard repair. Gates superkits (D), which contain com plete gasket/seal set, timing belt, tension er + fixing bolt, oil pump belt, crankshaft oil seal, diamond thrust washer and crank shaft fixing bolt. Gates kits with part num bers beginning (KP) also contain a water pump with gasket and fixing bolts, along with components listed previously. These additional components are deemed essential by the OE manufacturer for comprehensive system replacement pro cedures, it also ensures that mechanics have all the parts for the job supplied in one Gates box and that all parts are cov ered by the same Gates warranty. (B) and Note: standard kits and superkits exist for both Gates BeltInOil belts (A) T354HOB T359HOB. Examples of (C) standard & (D) superkit images shown below. For further informa tion and vehicle application details, visit Gates online catalogue https://navigates. gates.com/emea/. Gates support for maintenance on 1.0 litre Ford EcoBoost applications In addition to the Gates BeltInOil kits, Gates also supplies tooling to complete BeltInOil installations, For Ford EcoBoost engines, GAT5150 is the tool kit required, for the correct engine setting and locking of the crankshaft and camshafts, GAT6160 is the 5:1 multiplier tool required for removal and correct installation of the KEY FACTS The new range of Gates BeltInOil belts offers significant enhance ments for installers and their garage customers. new crankshaft fixing bolt (supplied in Gates Kits) to ensure the correct tighten ing torque and angular torque procedures are achieved. GAT5252 is the oil seal installation tool required to enable accu rate installation of the new crankshaft oil seal (supplied in Gates Kits) to the correct depth, with no damage to the seal or engine housing. Digital installation instructions for Gates PowerGrip Kits. The QR code on the box label of any Gates BeltInOil Powergrip™ Kit can always be used to access digital installa tion instructions.
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 29 The MAHLE Thermal Management Campaign 2025 You won’t find real heroes in movies. the start of the new season, MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility is thus launching an extensive Thermal Management Campaign for workshops. KEY FACTS You find them in workshops all over the world. MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility is celebrating these workshop heroes with Hollywood block busterstyle campaign designs. By means of the 2025 Thermal Management Campaign, the global automotive supplier’s spare parts and services business segment is helping workshops to raise their customers’ awareness of the importance of air condi tioning checks and air conditioning ser vices. Customer service with added value As temperatures rise, many motorists are once again becoming more aware of air conditioning. This spring, just in time for This spring, just in time for the start of the new season, MAHLE Just one click away Digital templates for online banners, social media posts, and much more can be downloaded free of charge from the MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility website. At the click of a button, workshops can access a whole set of templates to easily and effectively advertise air conditioning checks and services via their website, social media channels, or email. At the click of a button, you can also access technical information and services for the efficient maintenance and repair of thermal management systems. And free downloadable resources such as the ther mal management for emobility brochure, Lifecycle and Mobility is thus launching an extensive Thermal Management Campaign for workshops. the filling quantities manual for refriger ants and air conditioning compressor oil, and the practical checklist pad all contrib ute to the smooth and successful mainte nance and repair of air conditioning systems. Full support at all times Workshops can always rely on MAHLE. In addition to highquality aftermarket parts and practical service and diagnostic tools, MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility is especially known for its wide range of ser vices for automotive professionals. For example, the TechTool provides interactive advice on thermal management, which is regularly updated and supplemented, as is the practical filling quantity tool for refrig erants and air conditioning compressor oils. The Technical Hotline is staffed by MAHLE professionals who answer ques tions from workshops about products and workshop equipment. And MAHLE training courses and elearning modules help young professionals and seasoned experts alike to keep improving.
30 SUPPLIERS SUPPLIERS ATR World Filtration of the future – inspired by nature MANN-FILTER presents new CO2-reduced filters impregnated with plant-based raw materials, manufactured using renewable energy, and packaged in sustainable, recycled material. The automotive industry is facing enormous challenges. Increasing sustainability demands, growing customer expectations, and changes in consumer behaviour are coming up against the need for economic efficiency. Global filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL has a long tradition in the development of new and innovative technologies. The topic of sustainability is firmly anchored in the company’s philosophy and is in the DNA of its premium brand MANNFIL TER. With a new product innovation made from renewable raw materials – at the same price and with the same perfor mance – the technology leader is taking a big step forward. But it doesn’t stop there. For the fourth time in a row, the Ludwigsburgbased fam ily business has been awarded a gold medal for its commitment to sustainability by EcoVadis, the world’s leading independent provider of sustainability ratings for com panies. MANN+HUMMEL is also a member of the United Nations Global Compact ini tiative and publishes an annual sustainabil ity report that transparently documents the progress of its sustainable trans formation. Product innovation made from renewable raw materials Filters with cellulose media have previ ously been impregnated with fossilbased phenolic resin, which provides stability, rigidity, and chemical resistance. The filtra tion expert has partially replaced this crude oilbased treatment with the plant based raw material lignin, a natural product contained in wood. Lignin is what makes wood stable and can also have the same effect on filter media. This technology is initially being used in selected MANN FILTER air and oil filters—more filters will follow. As a result, MANN+HUMMEL is reducing its CO2 footprint of the relevant lignin impregnation during production by With the power of nature. Nextgen filters with woodbased impregnation. up to 5% compared to regular phenolic resin impregnation. In addition, this reduc es the amount of crude oil used for impreg nation by around 27%. The calculation of the CO2 values and the calculation method for determining the crude oil savings have been externally verified and validated by ClimatePartner. ClimatePartner is a German organisation that supports com panies in calculating, reducing and offset ting CO2 emissions and offers climate neu trality labels. Thanks to the switch to lignin, the MANNFILTER C 17 237 air filter, for example, saves 3.93 tons of CO2 and more than 4,500 litres of crude oil annually, based on 2024 sales figures. The material used comes from certified sources. Lignin is produced in large quantities as a waste product in paper and pulp production—sev eral million tons are generated worldwide every year. The improved impregnation will now be incorporated into defined series products. More and more MANNFILTER products are gradually being converted to lignin. “This means that customers do not have to choose between different versions, no additional storage space is needed, and no additional part numbers are required,” explains Dr. Lars Spelter, lead engineer for filtration materials at MANN+HUMMEL. “Everything should be kept as simple as possible for our customers.” Performance and sustainability The new innovative filters combine sus tainability with consistently high perfor mance in the usual original equipment quality and meet the strictest require ments of the automotive industry. You can find more information on the subject of sustainability on the MANN FILTER website: https://www.mannfilter. com. KEY FACTS Due to switching to lignin, a natural product contained in wood, the MANNFILTER C 17 237 air filter saves 3.93 tons of CO2 and more than 4,500 litrers of crude oil annually.
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 31 Magneti Marelli Parts & Services: New LPG Injector range for high performance and longer lifespan (+50%) Magneti Marelli Parts & Services, KEY FACTS The Magneti Marelli Parts & Services injector can handle “dirty” LPG, which contains more oil residues, thereby extending its lifespan from the typical 50,000 km of traditional injectors to 7580,000 km. A growing market To date, LPG is still a significant type of fuel for combustion engines. The replacement cycle of traditional LPG engine injectors is shorter than those of gasoline and diesel. Intervention is typi cally required after about three to four years of use due to lacquerrelated issues, which drastically reduce their lifespan. Other injector problems can arise from dia phragm wear or internal sticking. The combination of these factors (large circulating fleet and shorter replacement intervals compared to other fuels) creates a highly attractive market for independent auto repair. A market that Magneti Marelli Parts & Services can satisfy with highqual ity products, easy installations, and com petitive pricing. In fact, the Magneti Marelli Parts & Services injector can handle “dirty” LPG, which contains more oil residues, thereby extending its lifespan from the typical 50,000 km of traditional injectors to 7580,000 km, making the use of LPG cars even more economically beneficial. Another advantage of the LPG injectors offered by Magneti Marelli Parts & Services is the mode of installation, which is identi cal to that of the original components: this means they require no system adaptations or rail disassembly, making the installation easier and faster. These injectors do not require any ECU calibration; adjustments are done via software, making them Plug and Play. Additionally, the use of colour coded caps facilitates the identification of the right injector for each engine type, avoiding potential errors. The packaging of the injectors offered by Magneti Marelli Parts & Services includes shockresistant preformed blister packaging that maintains integrity and dis plays all essential information, such as product part number, barcode, description in the relevant country’s language, and production location. The package also includes a leaflet with injector instructions in multiple languages. with its deep knowledge of injec tion systems, which the company has pioneered from the beginning, offers more than 60 types of injectors, varying in spray configuration, operating range, pres sures, and supply voltages. Recently, the range has been expanded with 12 part num bers for LPG injectors entirely produced in Italian facilities. The new LPG injector part numbers cov er a wide range of popular LPG or bifuel (gasoline+LPG) models. These include the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and MiTo, the entire Dacia range, a wide selection of Fiat cars (including 500, 500L, 500X, Panda, Grande Punto, and Tipo Station Wagon), Lancia Ypsilon and Delta, various Opel models (Astra, Insignia Sports Tourer, Mokka, and Zafira), and Renault Clio and Modus. Ease for installers The LPG injectors offered by Magneti Marelli Parts & Services provide numerous advantages, including certifications for electromagnetic compatibility (10R03 671, regarding the elimination of potential interference with vehicle electronics) and LPG (67R 03 4893). Construction features such as the ano dised aluminium body, fully zinccoated coil, and flameretardant automotive plas tic injected connector ensure that the LPG injectors offered by Magneti Marelli Parts & Services are of high quality. Additionally, the LPG injectors do not suffer from “sticking” issues, typical of tra ditional diaphragmoperation injectors. To address this problem and extend their operational life, the new part numbers use a functioning system similar to diesel engine injectors. A solenoiddriven needle regulates the opening and flow of LPG; dur ing its movement, this needle selfcleans, preventing oil residues from depositing and lacquers from forming, which cause sticking and injector blockage.
32 SUPPLIERS SUPPLIERS ATR World KEY FACTS With the range of the key system components, Nissens’ Climate System Parts program serves as a onestop shop for aftermarket professionals. Elevating competitiveness through Technical Support Nissens Experts is an initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of inde pendent sector professionals. It is basically a technical support program that provides access to advanced automotive knowledge through training modules, video tutorials, best practices for complex repairs, and detailed product information. Additionally, technicians are offered a selection of Nissens’ AC service tools to assist with essential troubleshooting pro cesses within the program. Learn more at nissens.com/experts. Empower your AC business Learn the backbone of reliable AC system service In the constantly changing automotive All Nissens parts are developed to the highest standard of Genuine Nissens Quality, which ensures reliable, highper forming, and easytoinstall automotive spare parts for the aftermarket. industry, a vehicle’s climate system has become more than just a comfort feature. Beyond providing essential comfort for all types of cars, it plays a critical role in the overall mobility of electric and hybrid vehicles. Regardless of the AC system’s function and the vehicle power drive, two elements are paramount for successful system ser vice: highquality, reliable spare parts and indepth technical expertise. Settling for anything less can lead to costly repairs, compromised comfort and mobility, and dissatisfied customers. Here’s where Nissens, a veteran in the thermal systems field, steps in with its com prehensive spare parts program and exper tise to empower aftermarket professionals. Comprehensive parts offering: wide coverage, high reliability Nissens’ range of AC system parts has been designed to suit a variety of seg ments, from passenger cars to heavyduty commercial trucks, and it covers vehicles with all types of drivetrains. With nine main product lines and over 4,000 parts, catering to more than 17,000 reference numbers, and securing up to 93% of EU car parc coverage in some lines, this program ensures that aftermarket workshops and distributors can find highquality components for most European vehicles. The Nissens Condenser: a benchmark for excellence At the heart of every AC system lies the condenser, a critical heat exchanger that significantly impacts the system’s overall operation and longevity. Nissens’ condens er stands out as a uniquely engineered, longlife spare part designed to deliver excellent performance and withstand the harsh conditions on the road. With specially developed, coating, anticorrosive these condensers have been proven to outlast their OE and aftermarket counter parts, even in the most chal lenging environmental con including dirt, ditions, moisture, and corro sionprovoking salt. Nissens’ condenser is delivered in transportsafe sturdy boxes. The package includes all necessary instal lation parts like bolts or orings to save the installer time and money and secure, firm, firsttimeright re placement.
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 33 NTK Oxygen Sensors – Flawless Pollution Control Oxygen sensors are a vital piece of technology that ensure the reduction of harmful emissions produced by the internal combustion engine. As one of the leading suppliers of oxygen sensors both for OE and the Aftermarket, Niterra is continually improving its NTK products to make engines cleaner and more productive. NTK Vehicle Electronics provides the right products for almost any car, with each component de signed to enhance engine performance, ensure the reliability of modern ICEpow ered vehicles and optimise fuel efficiency. How it works Among the most important products offered by NTK Vehicle Electronics are oxygen sensors, crucial components in modern engines that play a key role in regulating performance and ensuring the optimal function of the catalytic convert er. These sensors work by monitoring the level of residual oxygen in a vehicle’s exhaust gases. This data is transmitted to the engine control unit (ECU), which then adjusts the airfuel mixture in real time to minimise harmful emissions. By maintaining an ideal combustion balance, oxygen sensors not only help reduce environmental impact but also contribute to lower fuel consumption. In addition, they support the longevity of the catalytic converter, which is a vital and costly part responsible for converting harmful pollutants into less dangerous substances before they exit the exhaust system. Environment Matters NTK’s oxygen sensors not only keep engines running smoothly but also help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emis sions and therefore support cleaner mobility. Customer Care & Support In line with Niterra’s overarching busi ness approach, customer care always takes pride of place. As a result, custom ers can benefit both from loyalty schemes, sales support and TekniWiki etraining sessions as well as Part Finder and TecDoc functions on the Niterra website. All together, they combine to form a full package of products and services that is second to none. NTK – Just three letters ensure the highest precision. Find out more at www.ngkntk.com. KEY FACTS By maintaining an ideal combustion balance, NTK’s oxygen sensors not only help reduce environmental impact but also contribute to lower fuel consumption.
34 SUPPLIERS ATR World Extensive selection of high-performance condensers Salt spray testing procedure Offering a range of high-quality condensers, NRF is recognised for products that excel in both durability and efficiency. Most condensers are Easy Fit, equipped with the proper O-rings for seamless fitting. The widest range The NRF condenser range contains 984 references covering over 4,600 OE references and 96% of the European car parc. NRF offers condensers for passen ger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks and agricultural vehicles. Additionally, NRF has a dedicated range for electric vehicles. Strong and solid packaging Easy and quick installation All NRF condensers have the same connection points as the original parts. As a result, they always fit perfectly. Easy fit = supplied with the correct O-ring Almost all NRF condensers are Easy Fit, meaning that the condenser is sup plied with the necessary Oring. Easy Fit provides a great advantage for the work shop because it ensures easy and quick installation of the NRF part. With Easy Fit you save time and money, which results in higher customer satisfaction. Quality tested by NRF in Europe To ensure high quality, all NRF con densers undergo various tests. Tests include leak tests and highpressure tests. NRF also conducts salt spray tests to check corrosion resistance. This ensures that the product can withstand real road and weather conditions. Most tests are conducted at inhouse test cen tres in Europe. Strong and solid packaging NRF condensers are packed in strong and solid boxes. The product is addition ally fixed and protected to prevent dam age during storage and transportation. The inlet and outlet connections are cov ered to protect them from impurities. KEY FACTS The NRF condenser range contains 984 references covering over 4,600 OE references and 96% of the European car parc. NRF offers condensers for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks and agricultural vehicles.
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 35 100 years of OSRAM Automotive 100 years of innovation and commitment to safe driving For exactly one hundred years, ams was the beginning of a unique success story in vehicle lighting that ams OSRAM has continued with commitment and a spirit of innovation ever since. KEY FACTS in automotive OSRAM has been at the forefront of advances lighting. With its clear focus on innovation, quality and partnership, the OSRAM Automotive division supports companies, workshops and retailers in particular in supplying their customers with marketleading Aftermarket solutions. OSRAM Automo tive will continue to improve visibility for all road users with its unique portfolio of lamps and replacement innovative highquality products for vehicle main tenance and equipment. The history of the OSRAM Automotive divi sion began in 1925 when the world’s first twinfila ment headlight bulb was unveiled in Berlin to a group of curious onlookers. What they wit nessed that day with the launch of the BILUX® lamp was not just a brighter bulb that allowed drivers to switch between high and low beam, but a historic turning point for road safety. At the same time, it Highlights in the history of the company In the 1930s, the company launched the “OSRAMD” bulbs which offered sig nificantly higher light output thanks to their doublecoil technology. OSRAM was a pioneering force in the development of halogen technology for car head lights in the 1960s, a tech nology that soon became standard in automotive lighting. In the 1990s, OSRAM succeeded in herald ing a new era in headlight design by code veloping the D1 xenon and the H7 halogen lamps. The technical possibilities of these lamps suddenly unleashed an almost inexhaustible potential for further innova tion. It was during this period that OSRAM to become the global leader in rose lighting. The H7 is still one of the most popular and highestselling prod ucts in the company’s portfolio. automotive The NIGHT BREAKER® LED family: a revolu- tion in the Aftermarket the In 2020, OSRAM Automotive, in close cooperation with the German TÜV and Federal Motor Vehicle and Transport A u t h o r i t y , achieved what had previously thought been OSRAM Automotive division began in 1925 when the world’s first twinfilament headlight bulb was unveiled in Berlin to a group of curious onlookers, who witnessed a historic turning point for road safety. impossible, namely producing the first LED retrofit lamp to be approved for use on public roads. The NIGHT BREAKER® LED has now gone on to conquer the Aftermarket. By the end of 2023, the product range had been expanded to include the NIGHT BREAKER® LED H1 and H4, so that classic cars and motorhomes could now also be retrofitted. LED retrofitting for motorcy cles has also been possible since 2024. At the same time, OSRAM Automotive launched the TRUCKSTAR® LED, which had been specially developed for the truck segment. In total, the NIGHT BREAKER® LED range now comprises four product families and eight lamp types. It covers over 1,000 vehicle models and has been approved in 28 countries. More than light: successful market entry in the vehicle maintenance and equipment sector OSRAM Automotive’s commitment to better visibility does not stop at lighting. Innovative products such as the LEDriving® auxiliary and working lights and the LED warning and safety lights are rightly regarded as groundbreaking. In 2019, the global market leader in retrofit lamps acquired the British Aftermarket specialist RING. This meant that OSRAM Automotive could expand its portfolio to include bat tery and tire maintenance equipment, dashcams, and more. www.osram.com/100years
36 SUPPLIERS ATR World Purflux Group innovation Transmission filter: a new range of Purflux filters for automatic gearboxes Discover the transmission filters range for automatic gearboxes composed of complete kits with two different offers according to gearbox types. THE BASIC TKxxx KIT THE EXPERT TEKxxx KIT THE BASIC TKxxx KIT Composed of a pressure filter or suction filter + a seal. THE EXPERT TEKxxx KIT Composed of a pressure filter and/or suction filter, gasket, drain plug, screw, magnets, and other seals. With the launch of Purflux filters specifically for automatic trans missions, Purflux Group reaffirms its innovative strength, manufacturing capabilities, and adaptability to a rapidly changing automotive market. Servicing automatic gearboxes is essen tial to maintain performance and, above all, durability. That is why, aside from specific manufacturer recommendations, Purflux recommends an oil change every five years or 60,000 kilometers. Such maintenance is often overlooked due to drivers’ ignorance or negligence. By 2030, 85% of cars on the road are expected to be equipped with automatic trans missions. Therefore, this maintenance operation is to become a real business development driver for mechanics. Responding to mechanics’ new needs Purflux confirms its position as a filtra tion expert, thus meeting all the needs of mechanics: air, fuel, oil, interiors and now transmission. The complete Purflux range provides a unique solution for its customers KEY FACTS Purflux Transmission filter kits offer a complete package for optimal replacement. It is essential to replace all peripheral components of the transmission filter (seal, screw, and plug) to ensure the proper functioning of the transmis sion system and avoid any risk of leakage and premature wear. and avoids doubling up on suppliers, mak ing it easier to take orders, store and iden tify products. Each product family is colourcoded, and with the arrival of the Transmission filters, black is the colour that will appear on shelves. Purflux offers two very different types of kit depending on the technical characteris tics of the gearbox and vehicle use. The BASIC kit consists of a filter and a seal, whereas the EXPERT kit adds the extra components required according to the transmission model, such as screws or a transmission housing seal. In both cases, the kit comes without oil. In order to maintain proper operation of the transmission system and its lifetime, it is recommended to replace the transmis sion filter on average every 60,000 kilo meters or at least every five years. A must-have for a complete offer! • 60% of new cars are now equipped with automatic gearboxes • More than 80 kits covering the main market applications • Complete kits for turnkey replacements • The guarantee from an OE supplier expert
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 37 You can‘t always get everything from one supplier The FAG Wheel Set Schaeffler’s FAG WheelSet offers the ideal solution for nearly every repair job. Designed with precision, it meets specific vehicle requirements, ensuring efficient inventory usage. Compared to competi tors, Schaeffler provides up to 66% higher fleet coverage – an advantage that garages especially appreciate in their daily operations. Your partner in repairs With over 135 years of experience, Schaeffler and its FAG brand have rede KEY FACTS Compared to competitors, Schaeffler provides up to 66% higher fleet coverage an advantage that garages especially appreciate in their daily operations. fined the standards in wheel bearing tech nology. Schaeffler’s commitment to inno vation ensures that the latest designs comply with evolving market demands, including the future needs of electric vehicles. fact that bolts, nuts and all other parts are optimally matched to the respective wheel bearing and the individual vehicle, a par ticularly long service life of the new parts is also guaranteed. You can find more information here. Relevant accessories: competitor comparison The search for exactly the right acces sories can often be a timeconsuming affair for garages. For this reason, the FAG WheelSet from Schaeffler already con tains exactly those accessories that are specified by the vehicle manufacturer for the repair. Often even more, if the Schaeffler experts deem it necessary. This saves time when ordering and also pro vides security during the repair. Due to the AT A GLANCE Check out the key benefits of the FAG WheelSet and see how it can enhance your repair efficiency and simplify your inventory management. INCREASED SERVICE LIFE The optimised compatibility of components means longer lasting performance, reducing the need for future replacements. COMPREHENSIVE REPAIR KITS Each WheelSet includes all neces sary components for a professional and safe installation. RELIABLE PERFORMANCE With over 40 million wheel bearings supplied yearly, our Industry leading expertise guarantees superior quality and unmatched reliability. OEM QUALITY PARTS Every FAG wheel bearing meets strict quality control standards, ensuring dependability and performance for your customers.
38 SUPPLIERS ATR World KEY FACTS By reusing materials, Valeo Reman parts are typically more affordable than the equivalent new Valeo parts. Customers return eligible used parts, receive a clear refund per part type, and are reimbursed within 72* hours. This streamlined approach guarantees the continuous availability of cores need ed to sustain the remanufacturing pro cess – because no cores mean no reman. By keeping materials in circulation, this model embodies the principles of the cir cular economy, reducing waste and reduc ing the use of resources. Valeo Reman As good as new, good for your budget, good to better preserve the resources Why discard old car parts when they can be given a second life? is the principle behind This Good for your budget Valeo’s Reman offer. Valeo Reman provides a costeffective solution without sacrificing quality. By reusing materials, Valeo Reman parts are typically more affordable than the equiva lent new Valeo parts. Both consumers and workshops benefit from savings, making remanufactured parts a smart alternative to buying new parts. Simple core deposit system Valeo’s core deposit system ensures a smooth and transparent return process. This is supported by a deposit system: a surcharge is added to the purchase price, which is refundable once the core is returned. Driving circular economy with reman Valeo’s Reman offer operates on the principle of the circular economy, a core pillar of “I Care 4 the Planet,” Valeo’s pro gram aimed at reducing the environmen tal impact of its Aftermarket activities. A comprehensive and powerful reman product range With over 6,000 remanufactured parts, Valeo offers an extensive portfolio, focus ing on four major product categories: starters/alternators, brake callipers, A/C compressors and clutches for Commercial Vehicles. These parts are remanufactured at Valeo facilities across Europe, with the main hub in Czechowice, Poland. As good as new With Valeo Reman, customers can exchange used parts for fully remanufac tured ones that perform like new. Every part undergoes a rigorous pro cess, including disassembly, cleaning, repair or replacement, reassembly, and testing. Valeo Reman products deliver reliable performance without compromise, and they are backed with a warranty. Good to better preserve the resources Remanufacturing is an alternative to traditional manufacturing. Compared to producing new parts, Remanufacturing limits new resource extraction and indus trial waste. By choosing remanufactured parts, customers contribute to the circular econ omy, where endoflife components are reintroduced into the supply chain. * after sorting on the Valeo platform.
JULY 2025 SUPPLIERS 39 ZF Aftermarket turns independent workshops into experts for driver assistance systems The range of spare parts is also embedded in a complete ecosystem from ZF Aftermarket to support workshops in ADAS service including the necessary equipment for diagnosis and calibration. Current driver assistance systems are inconceivable without front cameras. In the event of a repair or replacement, workshops have so far had to rely on the car man- ufacturer’s original parts. But now ZF Aftermarket is launching ZF Smart Camera, a modern camera for driver assistance systems for the Independent Aftermarket. The spread of vehicles with driver assistance systems has once again accelerated significantly since July 2024. Since then, EU regulations have made Automatic Emergency Brake Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and Lane Depar ture Warning, among others, mandatory equipment in all new cars. And all of these driver assistance systems require data from a camera sensor in order to fulfil their function. ZF is the world’s largest supplier of front cameras The qualification for handling driver assistance systems is an investment in the future for independent workshops. The market offers a lot of potential: ZF is the world’s largest supplier of front cameras and produces over ten million units per year, which are supplied to 14 car manufac turers. In the next ten years, the vast majority of vehicles in Europe will have such cameras. After an accident or glass damage, it may be necessary to replace the front cam era, for which there were previously no spare parts available in the open market. With its ZF Smart Camera, ZF Aftermarket is now launching a camera sensor that en ables independent workshops to carry out repairs easily and simply. With a unique unit consisting of ZF’s own hardware and software, the ZF Smart Camera fulfils the specifications of car manufacturers and maintains the function of driver assistance systems at the OEM level. The ZF Smart Camera will be launched in ten versions, which can be used to equip more than 50 vehicles. These include many models from the Stellantis Group (Citroën, DS, Peugeot, Opel) and Nissan. ZF Aftermarket offers a complete ADAS ecosystem The range of spare parts, which will be successively expanded over the coming months, is also embedded in a complete ADAS ecosystem from ZF Aftermarket to support workshops in ADAS service. This also includes the necessary workshop equipment for the diagnosis and calibra tion of the spare part in the vehicle, for which ZF Aftermarket offers its own diag nostic software under the name ZF MultiScan. Sensor adjustment is carried out using ZF’s own calibration walls. Vehicle workshops learn how to use both in training courses as part of the ZF [pro]Tech work shop concept, in which they can train their employees to become ADAS experts. “With the expansion of our ADAS offer ing, we are once again underlining our commitment to Maximizing Uptime and creating additional added value in cooper ation with our customers,” comments Markus Wittig, Global Head of Business Line Passenger Car at ZF Aftermarket. “Through targeted access to our three cen tral pillars innovative products, intelligent tools and diagnostic solutions as well as practical training we enable mobility pro fessionals to actively shape change. For us, Uptime not only means more Uptime for the end customer’s vehicle, but also increased productivity for our partners. Our goal is to provide sustainable support for their processes through a strong, holis tic ecosystem.” KEY FACTS ZF is the world’s largest supplier of front cameras and produces over ten million units per year, which are supplied to 14 car manufacturers.
40 TRENDS ATR World ATR World Sustainable thinking: Why remanufactured parts, sustainable materials and recycling have such a critical role to play in the aftermarket of tomorrow Is sustainability more than just a buzzword in the automotive sector? What’s more, with OEMs charging ahead with EV production and the race to net zero well under- way, should the aftermarket step up? Time to examine the evolving role of sustain- able practices and the part they play in the industry’s future. Across Europe, sustainability has become a critical consideration for almost every project and product. In the automotive industry, we have wit nessed a substantial shift towards zero emission vehicles to meet the EU’s 0g CO2/km fleetwide emissions target from 2025. At the same time, legislators continue to push for increasing circularity through out the supply chain. As a result, there is growing pressure on the aftermarket to evolve in these new expectations. line with Drive for change One of the primary drivers of sustain ability is EU regulation. The EU Green Deal, ‘Fit for 55’ 2030 target, EndofLife Vehicle Regulation, 2025 Industrial Action Plan and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation have all played a role in changing how industry approaches manufacturing and the lifecycle of both vehicles and their components. Combined with consumer awareness and fleet ESG reporting, these have collectively guided manufacturer R&D, as well as investment towards more sustainable solutions. This has also meant an increasing interest in sustainable practic es and products in the aftermarket. While it may not be an every day concern for work shops, the longterm viability of the sector depends on its ability to adapt. These changes will focus on enabling electric mobility, remanufactured parts, more sus tainable parts, reduced energy consump tion and sustainable waste management. Remanufacturing today In the context of the automotive after market, remanufacturing has become a valuable solution. The global automotive remanufacturing sector is expected to One of the primary drivers of sustainability is EU regulation. reach $126.4bn by 2030, providing improved sustainability, operational effi ciency and reduced costs.1 Remanu facturing involves restoring used parts back to OEM specification and likenew condition – it is a strin gent and industrial process. Remanufacturing is more sustainable because it eliminates the need to manufac ture a whole replacement, including the associated raw material extraction and transport. In total, around 80 per cent less energy is used during remanufacturing compared to the production of a new part.2 Currently, a wide variety of components are remanufactured in Europe, including starter motors, brake calipers, AC com pressors, turbochargers, suspension com ponents, alternators, injectors and many more. For aftermarket suppliers, integrat ing other remanufacturing and
JULY 2025 TRENDS 41 OEMs must provide detailed instructions for the removal and fitment of components. For the aftermarket, specifically, correct disposal of haz ardous waste, tires, plas tics and metals is critical. As the automotive circular economy develops, the aftermarket will play an important role in ‘closing the loop’. Circularity Developing a circular the economy within European automotive and aftermarket sectors is a cornerstone of sustain ability efforts. Circularity is about keeping resources in use for as long as possi ble, extracting maximum useful life and value before using the materials to create new versions of those items. To deliver a truly circular system, vehicles and parts must be designed with circularity in mind from the beginning. A key part of the EndofLife Regulation focuses on the circularity of materials such as plastic, of which 800,000 tons enter European landfills or incinerators each year. While steel and aluminum have wellestablished routes to circularity, the variety and incompatibility of plastics make this significantly more difficult. Addressing these challenges will require standardization of collection and process ing systems, effective and fair regulatory targets, improved recycling technologies KEY FACTS The EU’s new EndofLife Vehicle Regulation will ensure that 5.4 million tons of materials will be recycled at higher quality or reused and 12.8 million tons less CO2 will be emitted by 2035. for sorting, and a feasible route to funding with state support.4 Circularity will also be a critical concern for Electric Vehicles (EVs) under the EU’s New Battery Regulation. This will see all batteries tagged with a ‘passport’ with information including material composi tion and carbon footprint. This will enable more effective recycling of precious raw materials – such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, and lead – with battery producers required to use minimum thresholds of recycled content. Making progress The automotive industry – including the aftermarket – is set to undergo a serious transition. Driven by EU regulations and public sentiment, the sector must adopt ambitious sustainability practices to remain aligned with societal expectations. From embracing remanufacturing to ensuring safe waste disposal and maximis ing recycling, the challenges are signifi cant but not insurmountable. The after market’s ability to shift toward more circular models and engage with OEM and governmentled initiatives will play a key role in delivering the greener automotive industry of tomorrow. Used old working transmission auto parts resourcesaving strategies into operations could deliver significant longterm bene fits and better align with European OEMs. Waste & recycling Every year, around six million vehicles in Europe reach the end of their useful life. While the recycling rate for many automo tive materials is high, the automotive industry itself uses very few recycled materials. Instead, it is one of the largest consumers of raw materials and critical raw materials – aluminum, magnesium, platinum group metals, natural rubber and rare earth elements.3 The EU’s new EndofLife Vehicle Regulation was created to address this challenge, building upon the previous End ofLife Vehicle Directive. Implementation of new guidance is estimated to cost just €70 per vehicle, but brings with it a sweep of significant changes. These include new vehicles using 25 per cent recycled plastic, changes to vehicle and part design, man datory removal of valuable parts and materials, as well as many other policies. Among other benefits, these regulations ensure that 5.4 million tons of materials will be recycled at higher quality or reused and 12.8 million tons less CO2 will be emit ted by 2035.3 This change is important for the after market. Not only does it help to improve the sector’s sustainability and access to collection schemes and material recovery, but new regulation also highlights that
IMPRINT Published by: ATR International AG MarieCurieStraße 3 73770 Denkendorf, Germany Tel. + 49 (0) 711 91 89 790 EMail: info@atr.de Website: www.atr.de Registration court: Amtsgericht Stuttgart Value added tax ref. no.: DE 205929349 Registration no.: HRB 20992 Responsible: Warren Espinoza (CEO), Henning Kaeß and Wolfgang Menges Produced and edited by: Sympra GmbH (GPRA) Cover Picture: ATR International (01) / ATR International (02) / Adobe Stock: InfiniteFlow, Niterra, Adobe Stock: Bulent, MEKO, ATR International (03) / Adobe Stock: MarutStudio (04) / Adobe Stock: Grispb; Adobe Stock: InfiniteFlow (05) / Motors Imports (06) / Motors Imports, ATR International (07) / ATR International (0811) / LKQ (1213) / Goldenlink Auto (14) / Tokić (15) / Adobe Stock: Elena; Adobe Stock: annetdebar, KGK (16) / KGK (17) / MEKO (1819) / hsy (20) / bilstein group (21) / BOSAL (22) / Bosch (23) / Continental (2425) / Elring (26) / FORVIA HELLA (27) / Gates (28) / MAHLE (29) / MANNFILTER (30) / Magneti Marelli (31) / Nissens (32) / Niterra (33) / NRF (34) / OSRAM (35) / Purflux (36) / Schaeffler (37) / Valeo (38) / ZF (39) / Adobe Stock: blas (40) / Adobe Stock: Bulent; Adobe Stock: Hand Robot (41) The authors are responsible for the content and images in their articles.