Titi's Weekly Digest - Nov 11-Dec 1

I did not get a chance to do the news round-up last week, as I was busy publishing the updated Hungary Report (which can be found below):

The summary of the news from the past 2 weeks is the following:

🇨🇿🇸🇰 Czechia & Slovakia: LKQ Europe launches Autofy, unifying 800+ workshops under one concept to strengthen IAM support and standardisation.
🇵🇱 Poland: Auto Partner opens a modern logistics centre in Zgorzelec, boosting cross-border distribution and delivery efficiency.
🇪🇸 Spain: AD Parts Intergroup acquires Auto Recambios FCO. Cerdá Perales, expanding its footprint and accelerating aftermarket consolidation.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: AAG UK&IE acquires Autosupplies Ltd, strengthening its refinishing and LV aftermarket operations.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: LKQ Europe launches LKQ Electriq, an EV battery–repair venture supporting independent garages with high-voltage repairs.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: LKQ SYNETIQ appoints Annick Jourdenais as Managing Director to expand recycled OE parts supply.
🇩🇪 Germany: Wolk & Nikolic hires Marcus Zahren as Director Sales to deepen aftermarket data-intelligence capabilities.

Now let’s take a closer look at each one:

Czech Republic/Slovakia - December 1, 2025

On Dec. 1, LKQ Europe announced the launch of Autofy, a new workshop-concept brand for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The initiative will unite two existing garage networks

• PARTNER ELIT, which has around 500 participating workshops, and

• Auto Kelly Autoservis, with around 300 garages, under one umbrella brand

The rollout is part of LKQ’s strategy to strengthen support for the independent aftermarket and deliver consistent service standards across Central Europe.

According to LKQ, membership in Autofy will grant independent garages access to technical and diagnostic data, marketing materials, training programs and a rewards platform. The harmonised approach aims to help workshops share best practices and resources while maintaining local flexibility. LKQ’s concept network already includes nearly 8,000 partner workshops across 11 countries; the company plans to add another 2,000 garages in the coming years.

In launching the brand, Anthony McAteer, senior director sales at LKQ Europe, said Autofy draws on LKQ’s decades of experience in workshop concepts and will combine international expertise with local care. LKQ expects the new network to help independent garages meet changing customer demands and keep pace with technological innovations, particularly as vehicles become more connected and electrified.1

Titi’s take:

I see the Autofy launch as significant for the Czech and Slovak aftermarket. By unifying previously separate networks, LKQ can offer a stronger brand presence and streamlined support services, helping smaller workshops compete with dealer networks. With enhanced training and access to diagnostic data, independent garages should be better equipped to service modern vehicles. The move also signals LKQ’s intent to expand its network footprint, which is important, as consolidation accelerates in the independent aftermarket.

Poland - November 26, 2025

Polish distributor Auto Partner SA celebrated the opening of its new logistics centre in Zgorzelec, near Poland’s western border. During the event, clients and partners toured the warehouse and attended training sessions and a supplier fair showcasing new tools and products. The facility features a modern, automated warehouse designed to improve delivery times and inventory management. In his opening speech, chairman Alexander Maciejewski highlighted the centre’s role in serving Western European markets and supporting the company’s growth plans.

Attendees learned about Auto Partner’s strategy for building customer relationships and expanding its offering. The event also included a drift show by Polish champion Paweł Korpuliński and a banquet for guests. The logistics centre is expected to strengthen Auto Partner’s distribution network and enhance service for cross-border customers.2

Titi’s take:

The Zgorzelec centre points to Auto Partner’s commitment to expanding its footprint and improving supply-chain efficiency.

Its location near the German border positions the company to serve Western European clients more effectively, potentially boosting exports. For workshops in Poland and neighbouring countries, faster deliveries and broader stock availability should enhance competitiveness.

Spain - November 26, 2025

Spanish distributor Auto Recambios FCO. Cerdá Perales, founded in 1974, has been acquired by AD Parts Intergroup (part of Parts Holding Europe). With annual sales exceeding €6 million and four branches, the company is a leading distributor in the Valencia region. AD Parts stated that the acquisition strengthens the position of AD Vilber in the Valencian Community and aligns with its strategy of seeking external growth opportunities.

The purchase expands AD Parts’ footprint in the Iberian market and brings experienced employees and a well-established customer base. The deal is also part of an ongoing consolidation trend in the European aftermarket, where distributors are partnering or merging to achieve scale and enhance service offerings.3

Titi’s take:

Although the acquired company operates in Spain, the deal highlights the broader consolidation in the independent aftermarket that I mentioned above. For Central and Eastern Europe, where several AD members operate, this expansion may lead to stronger purchasing power and increased access to parts sourced across Europe. It also signals that PHE is prepared to invest in regional leaders to bolster its network.

United Kingdom - November 11, 2025

Alliance Automotive Group UK&IE announced that it has acquired Autosupplies Ltd, a Chesterfield-based LV aftermarket and paint/refinishing business. Autosupplies has over 30 years of experience and employs specialists in management, counter sales, delivery, telesales and warehouse operations. AAG said it looked forward to welcoming the team to its network.

This acquisition follows AAG’s pattern of expanding its network through targeted purchases. Although the deal focuses on the UK market, AAG is part of the GPC-owned Alliance Automotive Group with operations across Europe, so the transaction contributes to the group’s overall scale and buying power.4

Titi’s take:

While outside Central and Eastern Europe, AAG’s acquisitions have indirect effects on regional suppliers and trade partners. Larger distribution networks can negotiate better terms with suppliers and accelerate product launches across multiple regions. The integration of Autosupplies’ refinishing expertise may also enrich AAG’s offerings across its European footprint.

United Kingdom - November 27, 2025

LKQ Europe teamed up with EV repair specialists Matt Copp and Kevin Pearce (from Cedar Electric) to create LKQ Electriq, a service offering independent garages a repair-first solution for EV batteries and high-voltage components. With EV adoption still developing, many workshops lack the equipment and expertise to handle complex repairs. LKQ Electriq allows garages to outsource such work while retaining their customers.

The venture aims to help independent workshops compete with OEM dealers by providing cost-effective repairs without requiring large investments in equipment. Matt Copp noted that their unique solutions avoid full battery replacements and support sustainable EV usage. LKQ UK & Ireland CEO Kevan Wooden emphasised that the service complements workshops rather than competing with them.5

Titi’s take:

Even though the venture is based in the UK, it highlights a key trend likely to reach CEE markets: the growing need for EV battery repair capabilities in the independent aftermarket. As EV adoption increases in Poland, Czechia and neighbouring countries, similar partnerships may emerge to equip local workshops with affordable repair solutions.

December 1, 2025 – United Kingdom

LKQ SYNETIQ, the strategic joint venture between LKQ Europe and vehicle recycler SYNETIQ, named Annick Jourdenais as Managing Director. Jourdenais previously served as Chief Financial Officer at LKQ Euro Car Parts. LKQ SYNETIQ dismantles around 27,000 vehicles annually and has an ambition to scale the supply of recycled original-equipment (OE) parts across Europe. In the announcement, LKQ SYNETIQ noted that Jourdenais will focus on sustainable, affordable mobility and on driving growth in recycled parts availability.6

Titi’s take:

The appointment signals LKQ Europe’s commitment to the circular economy and recycled parts supply, which is an area of growing importance as sustainability regulations tighten (whether we like it or not). Greater availability of recycled OE parts could lower repair costs for workshops in Central and Eastern Europe and support greener business models.

Germany - November 1, 2025

Wolk & Nikolic After Sales Intelligence appointed Marcus Zahren as Director Sales. Zahren previously led aftermarket solutions at S&P Global Mobility and has more than 20 years of experience in market research and data-driven sales strategies. Company CEO Dimitri Nikolic said the appointment will help drive growth and strengthen customer focus across Europe, particularly as the company expands its aftermarket intelligence services.7

Titi’s take:

Zahren’s hire illustrates the growing demand for data-driven decision-making in the aftermarket. His expertise should enable Wolk & Nikolic to offer more detailed insights to suppliers and distributors, aiding strategic planning in Central and Eastern Europe. Investments in market intelligence also reflect the competitive pressure facing aftermarket players as consolidation and electrification reshape the landscape.

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