TBC Corp., a distributor of automotive replacement tires based in the US, and a joint venture between Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. and French tire manufacturer Michelin, announced that it has reached an agreement to divest its company-owned retail portfolio to Mavis Tire Express Service Corp., according to a press release dated May 24. As per the transaction, TBC will transfer 595 retail locations to Mavis and will also provide wholesale and tire distribution for Mavis, the release...

Japanese trading company Marubeni Corp. announced that MAIHOIII LLC, a subsidiary of Marubeni, has acquired Automotive Parts and Services Holdings LLC (APSH), according to a press release dated May 9. APSH provides online distribution of automotive repair parts and mobile inspection (on-site inspection/verification of customer repair claims) to insurance companies offering vehicle service contracts in the US. Marubeni observed that since vehicle inspection regulations in the US...

Sojitz Corp., a Japan-based company engaged in trading business, investment and financial activities, announced that it has acquired full ownership of Albert Automotive Holdings Pty. Ltd., a wholesale and retail used-car business that is part of the Dutton Group, according to a press release dated May 16. Sojitz has been dealing in certified pre-owned cars through its authorized dealers in Japan and other countries, and operates a designated pure-play used car dealer for premium brand ve...

According to a press release dated June 1, Veoneer has announced the completion of the sale of its Active Safety business to Magna, a mobility-technology company and an automotive supplier. The transaction was first announced Dec. 20, 2022. "Today is a great day for all stakeholders of Veoneer's Active Safety business. The combination with Magna will create a leading global supplier for [advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS] and secure a compelling long-term home for the Active Safety ...

Fenix Parts, a US-based recycler and reseller of automotive parts, announced that it has completed its acquisition of the assets of Fox Auto Parts in Belleville, Michigan, according to a press release dated 5 June. This is the largest acquisition by Fenix Parts since the it was acquired by affiliates of Stellex Capital Management, a private equity firm, in April 2018. Fox is a full-service and self-service automotive recycler and auto repair facility servicing the Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Nort...

US-based automotive aftermarket supplier and remanufacturer BBB Industries has announced that it has acquired Inter-Turbo, a Polish manufacturer of turbochargers and other components, through its wholly owned subsidiary Budweg Caliper A/S, according to a press release dated May 31. Inter-Turbo is based in Katowice, Poland and manufactures turbochargers, injectors and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Founded in 2009 by Blazej Michalik and Marek Jasiok, Inter-Turbo services more than 16,000 m...

Cummins Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Faurecia, a company of the Forvia Group, to purchase two of Faurecia’s commercial vehicle manufacturing plants and their related activities for €142 million, according to a press release dated May 23. The manufacturing facilities are located in Columbus, Ind., and Roermond, the Netherlands. Faurecia has been a partner and supplier to Cummins for more than a decade, and the Forvia Group’s divestment ini...

Australian automotive distribution company and provider of vehicle parts, accessories, equipment, service and solutions, Bapcor, announced the acquisition of E-Max Australia, according to a press release dated May 18. With the move, E-Max will become an integral part of Bapcor's Commercial Vehicle Group, forming part of the existing wholesale business, Australian Truck Parts (ATP). The E-Max brand specializes in electrical loom and accessories products, providing innovative solutions for...

SunCar Technology Group Inc. (SunCar), a provider of digitalized enterprise automotive after-sales services and online auto insurance intermediation service in China, has announced the completion of what it calls “business combination” with Goldenbridge Acquisition Ltd. (Goldenbridge), a special-purpose acquisition company, according to a press release dated May 17. SunCar said it is transforming the customer journey for car insurance and aftermarket services in China. It d...

India is among the fastest growing markets for vehicles fitted with panoramic roofs. Due to consistently rising demand, Webasto Group (Webasto), a global market leader for openable roof systems, is expanding its activities in India by adding a further production facility. “The Indian roof system market is experiencing a period of extremely rapid growth and openable panoramic roofs are in particularly high demand. We have therefore now established another highly innovative production fa...

JTEKT Corp. has announced that it will merge its two aftermarket sales companies, JTEKT Sales Co., Ltd. and Koyo Kowa Co., Ltd., in Japan on July 1, 2023, according to a press release dated April 13. Post the move, the merged company will be known as JTEKT Sales, the release added. JTEKT said the purpose of the merger was to build a sales system that faces customers as “one JTEKT” which unites the group, and the move is aimed at strengthening its aftermarket business. Si...

Siligom, a France-based tire distributor and service provider, and Parts Holding Europe (PHE), a distributor of vehicle spares in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Italy and Spain, have announced that Siligon’s acquisition of PHE-owned Glass Auto Service has received approval from the supervisory authorities, according to a press release dated April 14. This acquisition enables Siligom, which is already present in the glazing market with more than 90 outlets under the Siliglass b...

LKQ Fource announced the expansion of its wholesaler network in the Netherlands with the acquisition of parts wholesaler Leo de Groot Partscenter XL, according to a press release dated April 13. LKQ Fource said after years of joint cooperation, this was the next logical step in its success story. With this takeover, LKQ Fource’s number of own wholesaler outlets in the Netherlands stands at 85. Leo de Groot Partscenter XL offers a wide range of tools and car materials as well as advanced ser...

European automotive springs manufacturer Lesjöfors Group announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire shares in Tollman Spring Company Inc., a US spring manufacturer, according to a press release dated April 4. Through the transaction, Lesjöfors said it further strengthens its US presence following the acquisitions of John Evans’ Sons and Plymouth. Tollman, founded in 1945, is a manufacturer of industrial springs with a well-established market position. Its diversified c...

US-based auto accessory and window tinting franchise, Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, announced the opening of its new location in Benbrook, Texas via a press release dated March 23.  Tint World Benbrook, owned by Mike Richards, offers drivers throughout the Fort Worth, Texas, area premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry's most reliable window-tinting solutions. Significance: Tint World&...

Manufacturers and suppliers of aftermarket and OEM tooling products in North America, Techniks Tool Group (TTG), announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Eppinger Group, via a press release dated March 27.  Eppinger Group is a Germany-based leading designer and manufacturer of sophisticated, high precision static and live tools, complete computerized numerical control (CNC) tooling systems, rotary tables for CNC machines, and gears and gearboxes for robot...

US-based car wash operator, El Car Wash, has completed the acquisition of Smart Car Wash and its North Miami Beach, Fla., and West Palm Beach, Fla., locations, according to a press release dated April 4 by PRNewswire. Following the re-opening of these two sites, El Car Wash will operate 30 locations with an additional 30 plus sites in development across Florida and plans to significantly expand its footprint through both greenfield openings and acquisitions of existing car wash...

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., an automotive retailer with 205 dealerships located in the US and UK, announced the expansion of its US operations with the acquisition of Estero Bay Chevrolet in Estero, Fla., according to a press release dated March 28.  The dealership is located near the fast growing city of Fort Myers in Southwest Florida. Estero Bay Chevrolet is the fifth ranked Chevrolet dealership in new vehicle volume in the state of Florida. Si...

Penske Truck Leasing, a joint venture of Penske Corporation, Penske Automotive Group, and Mitsui & Company, announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Kris-Way Truck Leasing, Inc., a press release dated March 30 read. Kris-Way is a transportation services company offering full-service leasing, commercial truck rental, contract maintenance and dedicated contract carriage. Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, P...

Relais Group PLC, a spare parts distributor and provider of repair and maintenance in the Nordic vehicle aftermarket, announced that it has signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of the Finnish company Adita Oy, according to a press release dated March 29. The sellers are Adita's founder and main shareholder, and the company's sales director. According to the release, Adita is a highly regarded local distributor of spare parts and equipment for cars and marine use in the Helsinki ...

Cazoo Group Ltd., a UK-based online car retailer, announced that it has agreed to sell its German subscription business, Cluno GmbH, to ViveLaCar GmbH and The Platform Group GmbH & Co. KG, according to a press release dated February 17. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the total portfolio included several thousand cars in the German market. Significance: The disposal concluded Cazoo’s withdrawal from the German market as part of its strategy to...

The UK and Ireland arm of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, announced that it has recently completed the acquisition of Direct Auto Parts Ltd. (DAP) and Car Parts Warehouse Ltd. (CPW), according to a press release dated March 6. DAP is a single branch business based in Barking in East London, England, with sales of £2.6 million and 13 employees. It is an existing member of the Parts Distribution Partnership (PDP) aftermarket buying...

Cazoo Group Ltd., a UK-based online car retailer, announced that it has sold its third party data platform, Cazana, for an undisclosed sum, according to a press release dated February 22. The disposal aligns with Cazoo’s strategy to focus on its core business as the leading online car buying and selling platform in the UK, as opposed to providing data services to third parties, the company said. Significance: “The agreement includes the sale of the Cazana brand, platform and comme...

Alliance Automotive Group Benelux (AAGB) has announced the acquisition of Allcos BV, a company specializing in the sale of cleaning products for the car industry, according to a press release dated March 20. Allcos BV supplies and imports professional maintenance and cleaning products for the Dutch automotive market under the brands Kenotek, ZviZZer and Concept Chemicals. Significance: Allcos is the total supplier for car washes, rollovers, chain car washes, truck wash compa...

US-based Blue Point Capital Partners and its portfolio company, Transtar Holding Company, announced the acquisition of C&M Auto Parts, a family-owned wholesale supplier of truck and automotive parts with a focus on undercar and underhood products, according to a press release dated March 16. Based in Trenton, New Jersey, US, C&M services independent, regional and national repair shops, dealerships, government agencies and fleets throughout central New Jersey. C&M founder Glen...

Milton Industries, a US-based manufacturer of precision-engineered pneumatic and hydraulic accessories, announced that it has acquired Steck Manufacturing Company, a developer and manufacturer of specialty tools for the automotive aftermarket, according to a press release dated March 16. Steck is a provider of specialty tools to automotive repair, body shop, heavy-duty truck, lockout and towing markets globally. This is Milton’s fifth vehicle aftermarket-related acquisition. Among the ...

Lithia & Driveway, an automotive retailer in North America that also provides a suite of financing, leasing, repair, and maintenance options, announced the company's expansion into the United Kingdom with the acquisition of Jardine Motors Group, according to a press release dated 16 March. The group is one of the most successful automotive retailers in the UK, operating more than 50 premium luxury-retail locations and is expected to generate over USD2 billion in annualized revenues, the...

US-based vehicle-glass services and recalibration company, Safelite Group, announced the acquisition of Mark’s Mobile Glass operating throughout central Missouri, US, a press release dated 7 March read. Renee Cacchillo, president and CEO of Safelite Group, said, “We enjoy welcoming new team members to our business and leveraging their talents in providing the quality glass repair, replacement, and recalibration services our customers expect from Safelite. We’re confident that ...

US-based auto parts distributor, Arch Auto Parts, announced the expansion of its main distribution center located at its Ideal Queens Industrial Building, at 184-10 and 184-60 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, New York, according to a press release dated 13 March. Ideal Queens, purchased by KABR and Monocle in February 2022, consists of more than 620,000 rentable square footage, which is located with access to Manhattan, Long Island City, Long Island, JFK International Airport, LaGuardi...

South Korean tire manufacturer NEXEN TIRE announced that Next Century Ventures (NCV), its corporate venture capital arm, has invested in Automotus, a player in the curbside-management technology industry, to meet NCV's goals to revolutionize the mobility industry, according to a press release dated 9 March. Automotus, founded in the US in 2017, collaborates with government, institutions, and mobility innovators across the country to test and evaluate curbside-management techniques to min...

The Indian government has urged the automotive components sector to invest more on research and development (R&D), in a press release dated 6 March. Union minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has asked the automotive components industry to reflect on the level of investments, time, and effort that they have been putting in to develop new technology, new designs, and new products. “It would also help us provide solutions to other countries instead of being dependent on t...

Japanese trading company Marubeni Corporation has announced that it successfully completed a USD50 million investment into Cirba Solutions, a cross-chemistry battery management and materials processor for end-of-life (EOL) batteries, according to a press release dated 9 February. Cirba Solutions is a pioneer in the North American battery recycling industry and has built a profitable business by processing EOL lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries and cross-chemistry batteries for over...

bp has announced plans to invest USD1 billion by 2030 into electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the US, according to a company press release dated 15 February. Hertz and bp are also set to bring fast charging infrastructure to Hertz locations in cities including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Miami, New York City, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. “We are excited to be working with bp to build out charging at Hertz locations across the country, a...

Blue Point Capital Partners and its portfolio company, Transtar Holding Company, announced the acquisition of Pro Form Products, a manufacturer of refinishing and repair products for automotive, aviation, industrial, and marine applications, according to a press release dated 23 February. Based in Ontario, Canada, Pro Form will operate as a subsidiary of Transtar Autobody Technologies, a full-service provider of automotive repair, finish, and industrial coating products. Pro Form’s products...

Valvoline, a US-based supplier of lubricants and automotive services, reported that it has completed the previously announced sale of its Global Products business to Aramco, via a press release dated 1 March. Valvoline said that with the sale of its Global Products business to Aramco, each business can now focus on its individual future growth and strategic plans. Sam Mitchell, CEO, Valvoline Inc. commented, "Today, Valvoline Inc. becomes a pure pl...

Michigan-based global supplier of powertrain technologies, BorgWarner, has declared the completion of previously announced deal of acquiring Electric Vehicle Solution, Smart Grid, and Smart Energy businesses of Hubei Surpass Sun Electric (SSE), according to a press release dated 1 March. The transaction has an enterprise value of up to CNH410 million (around USD58 million). Significance: The acquisition is an important move for BorgWarner’s electrification business in Asia and is ex...

O’Reilly Automotive, a US-based automotive aftermarket parts retailer, has announced that after 65 years of operating in the automotive aftermarket space across the United States and Mexico, it has opened its 6,000th store in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, according to a press release dated 22 February. Significance: Commenting on the announcement, Greg Johnson, O’Reilly’s CEO, said, “As we celebrate 65 years of O’Reilly Auto Parts and the opening of our 6,000th store location, we recognize...

US-based distributor of replacement parts, components, and systems, LKQ Corporation and Canada-based automotive aftermarket parts supplier Uni-Select announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for LKQ to acquire Uni-Select for USD2.1 billion, according to a press release dated 27 February. Uni-Select was founded in Boucherville, Québec, Canada in 1968. It is involved in the distribution of automotive refinish and industrial coatings and related products in North Americ...

VDA or the German Association of the Automotive Industry said in a press release dated 15 February that around 9 out of 10 companies (88%) consider Germany to be internationally uncompetitive in terms of energy costs, labor, and tax burden. The finding was part of its survey among automotive suppliers and medium-sized manufacturers conducted from 23 January to 3 February. VDA said 116 companies took part in the survey. VDA President Hildegard Müller said, "More and more companies consider Ge...

Magna has announced that it is investing more than USD470 million to expand its operations across Ontario, Canada, according to a press release on 15 February. The expansion includes a new battery enclosures facility in Brampton to support the Ford F-150 Lightning and future OEM programs. Details of the new and expanding facilities include: Brampton: A new 490,000 square-foot leased facility to manufacture battery enclosures for electric vehicles. Operations to begin in second quarter 2...

Brazil-based parts manufacturer Fras-le announced acquisition of AML Juratek, a supplier of braking and suspension components based in the UK, for about GBP18.2 million (around USD21.9 million), according to a press release dated 16 February. AML Juratek is the parent company of Juratek and BettaParts, which operate in the UK and in the European aftermarket, supplying braking products such as brake discs, brake pads, calipers and actuators. Significance: "This move is part of our strategy ...

US-based Fisher Auto Parts has announced that it has acquired Market Street Auto Parts LLC, according to a press release dated 7 February. Founded in 1929, Fisher Auto Parts is said to have approximately 500 company-owned locations and over 100 independent distributors across 18 states. Market Street Auto Parts, a supplier to professional parts installers as well as retail and do-it-yourself customers, has been operating in the North Lebanon County in Pennsylvania for over 16 years, according...

Netherlands-based spare parts distributor PartsPoint has announced that it has acquired a Netherlands-based spare parts shop called Brezan Kampen through its subsidiary Alliance Automotive Group Benelux (AAGB) on 1 February 2023. Following the acquisition, Brezan will be fully integrated within PartsPoint, according to a press release dated 1 February. Until recently, the branch was active in the Netherlands as a franchisee of a parts supplier Brezan Automaterialen in the province of Ove...

Netherlands-based spare parts distributor PartsPoint has acquired Ameco Rotterdam-Ommoord, an auto parts store, through its subsidiary Alliance Automotive Group Benelux (AAGB), according to a press release dated 4 January. As part of the transaction, Ameco Rotterdam-Ommoord will be fully integrated within AAGB. Until recently, the company was active in the Rotterdam region as a franchisee of another Netherlands-based parts supplier called Brezan. Significance: After the acquisition, a Part...

ATI Sadi Autoteile GmbH, a Germany-based specialist wholesaler for car parts and accessories, workshop equipment, and care products, has announced that it has become a new shareholder in German automotive parts wholesaler SELECT AG, according to a press release dated 13 January. The medium-sized family business ATI Sadi Autoteile from Nuremberg, Germany becomes the 14th shareholder of SELECT AG. With this step, Sadi receives full access to the service modules in purchasing, sales, and th...

LKQ Europe, a Switzerland-based distributor of automotive aftermarket parts for cars, commercial vans, and industrial vehicles in Europe and a subsidiary of LKQ Corporation, has announced that it has expanded its presence in the European salvage business with the acquisition of Rhenoy Group, a Dutch supplier of remanufactured engines and recycled OEM car parts, according to a press release dated 2 February by Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). The Rhenoy Group operates...

Sweden-based SKF, a supplier of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics and lubrication systems, announced that it is strengthening its value chain in North America with investments of SEK700 million (around USD67 million) towards locating engineering and manufacturing capabilities in a new, greenfield facility in Monterrey, Mexico, according to a press release dated 2 February. The factory will produce products for “the fast-growing and strategically important” electric vehicle drivetrain ...

Driven Brand Holdings, a US-based automotive service company, has announced the opening of its 10th Take 5 oil change and car wash in Concord, North Carolina, according to a press release dated 31 January. The company said bringing the oil change and car wash together in one location simplifies the car care experience for customers and drives operational synergies by developing a quick lube and car wash concurrently, further enhancing the unit-level economics. The company has a pipeline of ov...

Horizon Global, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of branded towing and trailering equipment, announced it will be acquired by First Brands Group, a global automotive parts manufacturer for the automotive aftermarket, according to a press release dated 3 January. The terms of the transaction include an all-cash tender offer, which upon successful closing will entitle each stockholder of Horizon Global’s common stock to receive cash consideration of USD1.75 per share, the release ...

Dayco, a US-based engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive and aftermarket industries, has announced the appointment of Craig Frohock as CEO of Aftermarket and Belts, according to a press release 25 January. Craig will be responsible for the business unit’s global operational performance and strategic direction. For the past six years Craig has held several senior leadership roles with Tenneco. Most recently he was the Group Vice President and General Man...

Inchcape, a United Kingdom–based independent, multibrand global automotive distributor, announced that it has completed its acquisition of Derco, an automotive distributor in Latin America with operations in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, in what is Inchcape’s biggest such deal since 1967, according to a press release dated 3 January. The move is expected to extend Inchcape’s distribution leadership in LATAM, bringing significant additional revenue and margin accretive profit to the G...

Inchcape, a United Kingdom-based independent, multi-brand global automotive distributor, announced an agreement to enter into a joint venture with CATS Group of Companies and also announced a decision to acquire a controlling stake in CATS, a distributor of luxury vehicles in the Philippines, according to a release dated 17 January. The deal is claimed to expand Inchcape’s global distribution footprint as it enters the Philippines, further building on its presence in the APAC region. It wil...

German components supplier and filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL has announced a strategic investment in M-Filter Group, a key filter manufacturing company in Northern and Eastern Europe with several production facilities in Finland and Lithuania, according to a press release dated 10 January. The company specializes in different areas of filtration, including air ventilation filters, HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filters and oil/hydraulic filters for engines. While Finnish filtration...

European automotive springs manufacturer Lesjöfors Group has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in in Amatec B.V., a Dutch spring distributor, according to a press release dated 4 January. The acquisition was done via Alcomex, a Dutch manufacturer springs, that Lesjöfors acquired in July 2021. With the acquisition, Alcomex, and the Lesjöfors group, strengthen the distribution capabilities of stock springs, in line with its ambition to build the leading ...

Nordic Capital, a private equity investor, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Autocirc, a Nordic group that offers reused and recycled spare parts to the automotive industry, from the Nordic sustainable investment fund Alder, according to a press release dated 15 December. The investment is made in partnership with Autocirc's founders Johan Livered and Mattias Pettersson and aims to accelerate the company's growth plans and further strengthen its circular offering ...

Relais Group Plc, a spare part distributor and provider of repair and maintenance in the Nordic vehicle aftermarket, has acquired a Danish company S-E-T A/S (also known as S-E-T) from B&S Holding, owned by Steen and Birgitte Hansen, according to a press release dated 12 December. Located in Aarhus, Denmark, S-E-T is an importer and wholesaler of electrical equipment, such as rear-view and side-view cameras, inverters and battery chargers for heavy commercial vehicles and the marine sector...

The Parts Authority, US-based automotive and truck parts distributors to the aftermarket industry, has announced the acquisition of B&L Auto Parts and Paint, according to a press release dated 16 December. B&L Auto Parts and Paint, which has been based in the US state of Maine for over 47 years, was founded in 1975 as a small independent parts store. It now has a 22,000-square-foot facility offering a large selection of parts, specialty products, and customer service, the release adde...

Bosch Global Software Technologies (BGSW) has inaugurated its new smart campus in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, which will focus on automotive engineering and digital enterprise, Business Standard reported on 14 December. The company aims to raise the workforce of 3,000 professionals by 2025 for the center. “We believe that with our presence in Hyderabad, BGSW will be able to bring software centric innovation to products for both Indian and global markets of Bosch,” sai...

Cazoo Group Ltd, an online car retailer, has sold its Spanish subscription business, Swipcar, to Renting Finders S.L., according to a press release dated 15 December.  Cazoo is an independent used car retailer. Renting Finders S.L is a vehicle-leasing marketplace based in Spain and Portugal. The company has 4,000 customers and a team of 40 people located in Madrid and Lisbon.  Significance: The disposal is a further step in Cazoo’s withdrawal from mainland Europe...

Michigan-based global automotive component supplier BorgWarner Inc. has acquired Switzerland-headquartered Drivetek AG for CHF35.00 million (USD37.31 million), the company announced on 2 December 2022. BorgWarner said that while it has paid CHF25.00 million (USD26.65 million) at the closing of the transaction, the remaining CHF10.00 million would be paid in the form of contingent payments over the next three years. Commenting on the acquisition, Frédéric Lissalde, president and...

American automotive car retailer, Lithia & Driveway (LAD), announced that the company has expanded into Colorado, after purchasing Ferrari of Denver, LAD's first Ferrari store, according to a press release dated 6 December. Ferrari of Denver will specialize in personalized, in-home customer experiences covering the full ownership lifecycle. The only Ferrari location in the greater Rocky Mountains region, this store boasts three Ferrari-certified technicians and a Bentley master-...

Aptiv has completed the acquisition of Wind River, it said in a press release on 23 December. The transaction is valued at USD3.5 billion, instead of the initial purchase price of USD4.3 billion agreed to in January 2022. “The automotive industry in particular continues to be transformed by the accelerated shift to software-defined vehicles. Empowering our customers to capitalize on this transition requires not only a next-generation hardware architecture, but also a cloud-native software a...

Recochem, a Canadian company engaged in manufacturing, marketing, and distributing automotive aftermarket and household fluids announced that it has completed the acquisition of Torque Detail, a brand of automotive detailing products, via a press release dated 12 December. The company says that Torque has a strong reputation for outstanding quality and service and offers a breadth of ceramic coatings, exterior and interior cleaners, and detailing accessories. Torque is a digitally native...

Stellantis has begun exclusive negotiations with Faurecia and Michelin to acquire a significant stake in Symbio, a Faurecia – Michelin joint-venture (JV) company focused on zero-emission hydrogen mobility, the carmaker announced on 23 December 2022. The transaction is expected to be wrapped up in the first half of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, Stellantis said. “Symbio’s technical roadmap perfectly matches with Stellantis’ ...

AutoNation, a US-based automotive retailer has announced its acquisition of an approximately 6.1% minority ownership stake in TrueCar, Inc., via a press release dated 15 November.  Mike Darrow, president and CEO, TrueCar, commented, "We are excited by this announcement from AutoNation, America's leading automotive retailer, as we see their commitment to a great customer experience as fully aligned with the values of TrueCar and our offerings. Our companies believe this opens the doo...

Indian tire manufacturer, Apollo Tyres, inaugurated an advanced tire-testing facility, which is housed at its global research and development (R&D) center in Chennai, India, according to a press release dated 7 December. The new facility will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of product-development cycle for passenger vehicle and two-wheeler tires, including the ones for electric vehicles (EVs). Daniele Lorenzetti, CTO, Apollo Tyres Ltd, commented, “We strongly foc...

BorgWarner has officially opened a new technical center focused on propulsion technologies and software capabilities in Bangalore, India, the company announced on 8 December 2022. According to the company, the new technical center, which is spread across an area of about 2,460 square meters, will focus on systems software development, fuel-handling design and mechanical simulation for internal combustion engines (ICEs), and hydrogen (H2) engine management systems. The new facility, which will...

US-based vehicle-glass services and recalibration company, Safelite Group, a subsidiary of Belron and owner of Safelite AutoGlass, announced an agreement to acquire the assets of Premium Auto Glass via a press release dated 15 December. Safelite is a subsidiary of Belron.  The combined businesses will offer vehicle-glass repair, replacement, and recalibration services to Colorado customers while growing a successful, caring business. Significance: Premium Auto Glas...

US-based automotive retailer Group 1 Automotive has announced the expansion of its US operations with the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter franchises in Anaheim, California, via a press release dated 1 December.   This acquisition expands Group 1's global relationship with Mercedes-Benz to 17 dealerships in the United States and the United Kingdom. Group 1 owns and operates 204 automotive dealerships, 275 franchises, and 47 collision centers in the US and the U...

AutoNation, a US-based automotive retailer has announced that the company has entered an agreement to acquire RepairSmith, a full-service mobile solution for automotive repair and maintenance, according to a press release dated 12 December.   The acquisition aligns with the company's objective to expand the ability to penetrate its aftersales service market and conveniently respond to customers' needs by broadening the reach of its existing aftersales networ...

Automotive technology company Veoneer announced that it has entered into an agreement with Magna International and under the agreement, Magna will acquire Veoneer's active safety business from SSW Partners, a New York based investment firm for USD1.525 billion, according to a press release dated 20 December. Combining Veoneer's active safety competence and product portfolio with Magna's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) business will strengthen the combined business and provide custom...

Vertu Motors plc, a UK-based automotive retail group, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Helston Garages Group Limited, a manufacturer automotive retail group based in the South West of England, according to a press release dated 19 December. With the move, Vertu has acquired 28 franchised sales outlets, adding scale and geographic coverage to its existing footprint of 160 franchised outlets, according to the release. According to the company, the acquisition of Helston is...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, has announced that its Danish subsidiary FTZ has acquired 70% of the leading car accessories company Avant Denmark, according to a press release dated 6 December. Avant Denmark claims to offer the largest range of car accessories to companies and consumers in Denmark through its sales channels that include online sales and via retailers. Through the investment, MEKO aims to strengthen its position in Den...

Motus Holdings Ltd, a South Africa-based automotive group, has announced that it has acquired 100% of Motor Parts Direct (Holdings) Limited, a business-to-business parts distribution business based in the UK, for ZAR3,64 billion (around USD210 million), according to a press release dated 8 December. Effective from 3 October 2022, the acquisition was funded using available cash and banking facilities and is aligned to Motus’ international growth strategy for its aftermarket parts business, a...

German automotive supplier HELLA, which operates under the umbrella brand FORVIA, announced that it has completed the exit from the joint venture ‘HBPO Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH’, according to a press release dated 12 December. Following the approval of the responsible regulatory authorities, the 33.33% share in the joint venture has been successfully transferred to the previous coshareholder Plastic Omnium, the release added. Significance: The purchase price amounts to EUR290 milli...

Auto parts supplier Aptiv announced that it has completed the acquisition of an 85% equity stake in Intercable Automotive Solutions, a high voltage system solutions provider, for EUR595 million (around USD629 million), according to a press release dated 1 December. Aptiv says Intercable Automotive Solutions will enhance its position as a global leader in vehicle architecture systems. Intercable Automotive Solutions will operate as a stand-alone business unit within Aptiv's Signal & Power ...

US-based private equity firm 3 Rivers Capital’s portfolio company AGS Automotive Solutions, a manufacturer and distributor of brake, fuel and transmission lines in the US automotive aftermarket, has acquired BluDot Manufacturing, a US-based brake systems supplier, according to a press release dated 1 December. Headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, BluDot Manufacturing supplies brake systems to all sizes of manufacturers of tow-able recreational vehicles, motor homes, livestock trailers, car...

Sweden-based SKF, a supplier of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics and lubrication systems, announced that it is continuing to increase its regional capabilities across Asia, through selected investments in its manufacturing and engineering capabilities in the region, according to a press release dated 24 November. In China, SKF has consolidated its manufacturing footprint from 16 to 9 manufacturing sites in the last four years. It said this process has brought together modern manufacturin...

In a press release dated 17 November, Tenneco and Apollo announced that funds managed by Apollo affiliates (the “Apollo Funds”) have completed the previously announced acquisition of Tenneco, a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of automotive products for OEM and aftermarket customers. Pursuant to the terms of the transaction, an affiliate of the Apollo Funds acquired all of the outstanding shares of Tenneco stock. Tenneco shareholders are entitled to receive USD20.00 in ca...

Litens Automotive Group, a Canada-based manufacturer of engineered power transmission systems and components, has announced that it has acquired Industrias Dolz S.A, a Spanish-based manufacturer and distributor for automotive water pumps and other powertrain products, via a press release dated 7 November. With a strong distribution network and extensive history in the water pump market, the acquisition of Dolz represents an expansion of the automotive aftermarket business for Litens. As an es...

US-based distributor aftermarket replacement parts, Arrowhead Engineered Products, announced the acquisition of Bihr, a European distributor of parts, accessories and rider equipment for motorcycles, quads/ATVs, bicycles and scooters, according to a press release dated 27 October. Headquartered in Kontich, Belgium, Bihr has a presence in 20 countries and wholesales 350 brands and 200,000+ stock keeping unit (SKUs) to a network of more than 15,000 retail dealers, the release added. “We seek ...

Driven Brand Holdings, a US-based automotive service company, which houses brands such as ABRA or Auto Body Repair of America, CARSTAR, and Fix Auto USA, under Driven Collision, has announced that it has reached 1,000th collision repair facilities across North America with the opening of a CARSTAR auto body center in Little Rock, Arkansas, southern US, according to a press release dated 19 October. After entering the collision market in 2015 with the purchase of 240 CARSTAR locations, Driven ...

Driven Brand Holdings, a US-based automotive service company, has announced that its Take 5 Oil Change service has opened its 200th US franchised location, in Hutto, Texas, according to a press release dated 6 October. Take 5 Oil Change has doubled its US franchise store count over the last year, the release added. Since acquiring Take 5 Oil Change in 2016 with its differentiated fast, friendly, 10-minute stay-in-your-car oil change model, Driven Brands claims to have scaled the business from...

US-based manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket brake, fuel, and transmission lines, AGS Automotive Solutions, has finalized the acquisition of BrakeQuip, the company announced via a press release dated 28 October.  Headquartered in Alcoa, Tennessee, BrakeQuip, LLC is a world leader in DIY manufacturing systems for automotive tubes and hoses. BrakeQuip is also a supplier of specialty fittings and tools for brake specialists.   Significance: The addition ...

Dorman Products, a US-based aftermarket supplier of OE dealer exclusive parts has announced the completion of the acquisition of Super ATV for USD490 million in cash at closing, plus an earn-out of up to USD100 million in the aggregate payable over two years subject to certain performance targets being achieved in 2023 and 2024, according to a press release dated 4 October. Dorman had first announced its decision to acquire Super ATV in a release dated 18 August. Significance: Founded in 2...

UK-based aftermarket logistics provider Carousel Logistics, part of the DANX Carousel Group, has announced that it has acquired Irish full-service transport and logistics company, Alltrans, according to a press release dated 20 September. The acquisition plays a critical role in strengthening Carousel’s operations in Ireland, and right across Western Europe, supporting in the group’s ambition of becoming the European leader for time-critical in-night logistics, the release added. The comp...

Driven Brand Holdings, a US-based automotive service company, has announced that its Take 5 Oil Change service has opened its first California location on 2 September, according to a press release dated 19 September. This franchised Bay Area site in Richmond, California, continues Take 5 Oil Change’s expansion in the West, following recent expansion in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, the release added. The new location is owned and managed by Automotive Services Holdings, LLC (ASH), ...

Bridgestone Americas has announced an investment of USD60 million to expand its Bridgestone Bandag, LLC manufacturing plant in Abilene, Texas, according to a press release dated 22 September. The 50,000-square-foot expansion of the Abilene plant is aimed at the growing demand for the company’s tread rubber products, driven by the rapid growth of its retread business. The expansion includes an immediate increase in operational activity by running on six- and seven-day production schedules, a...

Michigan-based global supplier of powertrain technologies, BorgWarner and Hubei Surpass Sun Electric (SSE) today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which BorgWarner has agreed to acquire the Electric Vehicle Solution, Smart Grid, and Smart Energy businesses of SSE, according to a press release dated 20 September. The transaction has an enterprise value of up to CNY410 million (around USD58 million), of which approximately CNY267 million (around USD38 million) would be de...

European automotive springs manufacturer Lesjöfors Group has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Telform, a Turkish spring manufacturer, according to a press release dated 14 September. The move is aimed at expanding its production footprint, in line with its ambition to build the leading spring, wire, and flat strip component group. Telform is a Turkish manufacturer of industrial springs to the domestic and international markets. The customer base is d...

American Tire Distributors (ATD), a US based independent suppliers of tires to the replacement tire market., has announced the completion of the sale of its Canadian subsidiary, National Tire Distributors (NTD) to Groupe Touchette, according to a press release dated 7 September. With the sale of NTD now complete, ATD says it is moving forward as a more focused organization that is better positioned to serve its customers across the US. The company will continue supporting NTD and Groupe Touch...

Japanese tire manufacturing company Bridgestone Americas has announced that Bridgestone Brazil will invest an additional BRL270 million (around USD52 million) in the expansion and modernization of the tire plant in Camaçari, a city in Bahia, Brazil, according to a press release dated 6 September. This brings the company's total investments announced since 2021 to more than BRL970 million (around USD186 million) for the Bahia plant. This second phase of expansion and modernization of the Bahi...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire has announced that its board of directors have approved a USD1.6 billion investment to expand its Tennessee plant in the USA, according to a press release dated 29 August. The investment includes the previously planned Phase 2 expansion that will double production capacity of Hankook’s passenger car and light truck (PC/LT) tires and adds a Phase 3 expansion with the company’s first US production of Truck Bus and Radial (TBR) tires. This expansio...

Nippon Piston Ring Co, a Japan-based manufacturer of piston rings, valve seat inserts, camshafts, and other parts primarily for internal combustion engines (ICE), and Japan-based Riken Corporation have announced a basic agreement to establish a joint holding company formed by mutual stock transfer and to consolidate the two companies on equal terms, according to a press release dated 27 July.  The consolidation should allow both companies to focus on increasing the profitability of their...

High Bar Brands, the parent company of Minimizer and Premier Manufacturing, is adding to its portfolio of brands by acquiring Viking Sales, Inc of Brighton, Michigan, according to a press release dated 25 August by GlobeNewswire. Viking is an industry leader in mud flap production and distribution having an established relationships with several original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket distribution customers. The company says that, for over 50 years, Viking has provided custom ...

US-based leading global provider of connected fleet and mobile asset management solutions, MiX Telematics, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Trimble's Field Service Management's (FSM) business, according to a press release dated 25 August by PRNewswire. Trimble is an industrial technology company that supports it's customers by providing purpose-built technology products to enterprise lifecycle solutions.  Trimble's Field Service Management (FSM) is an advanced devel...

bp unveiled plans to invest up to GBP50 million (around USD60 million) in a new, state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) battery testing center and analytical laboratory in Pangbourne, United Kingdom, according to a press release dated 2 August.  The new facilities will be located at bp’s existing global headquarters for its Castrol business in Pangbourne, Berkshire, and will support the technology, engineering and science roles housed there. The site already undertakes research an...

Sunroof systems supplier, Webasto, has acquired Carlex Glass Luxembourg SA in Grevenmacher (Luxembourg), according to a press release dated 18 August. The site manufactures glass elements for passenger cars, counts many international carmakers among its customers and was previously part of Carlex Glass America LLC, based in Nashville, Tennessee (US). In future, the glass experts will collaborate closely with their colleagues in roof system development and validation at the company headqu...

Dorman Products, a US-based aftermarket supplier of OE dealer exclusive parts has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Super ATV, LLC (SuperATV), for USD490 million in cash at closing, plus an earn-out of up to USD100 million in the aggregate payable over a two-year period subject to certain performance targets being achieved in 2023 and 2024, as per a press release dated 18 August. SuperATV is a leading independent supplier to the powersports aftermarket&nbs...