Titi's Weekly Digest - Oct 28-Nov 10

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While the past two weeks have been rather quiet, there were a couple things that stood out. Here is a quick digest, then we will dive in deep into each piece:

🇪🇸 Spain – ATR’s Barcelona conference urged faster IAM adaptation to EVs, Chinese imports, and vehicle-data access.
🇵🇱 Poland – Emotive opened a new Szczecin warehouse, doubling capacity and speeding deliveries.
🇬🇧 UK – AAG launched NAPA Truck cab suspension and bellows, expanding into heavy-duty parts.
🇬🇧 UK – AAG acquired Autosupplies Ltd, strengthening its UK network and consolidation drive.
🇪🇺 Europe – LKQ’s Q3 showed mild growth and solid EU margins after divesting Self Service.
🇬🇧 UK – Government to review MOT fee cap, addressing cost pressure on modern vehicle testing.
🇵🇱 Poland – Poland ranked 7th in global parts exports, boosting CEE aftermarket influence.

Now let’s see what this is all about:

Barcelona - 28 Oct 2025

ATR International held its annual Digital Conference in Barcelona (21–22 Oct 2025). Speakers discussed the growing impact of e‑mobility, the influx of Chinese electric vehicles and how these trends affect workshops, distributors and suppliers. Participants emphasized that independent workshops need fair and transparent access to vehicle data to remain competitive. Sessions included keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive workshops aimed at preparing the independent aftermarket for future challenges.1

Titi’s take:

ATR’s conference reminds us how quickly the independent aftermarket must adapt to electrification and data‑driven maintenance. Making sure that independent workshops can access connected‑car data is emerging as a strategic priority for the IAM. The meeting also indicates that European distributors are watching Chinese EV imports and preparing training and supply chains accordingly.

Poland - 30 Oct 2025

The Emotive Group announced the opening of a new flagship warehouse near Szczecin, Poland. According to the company, the investment increases storage capacity from 8,300 to 18,300 pallet spaces and features scalable infrastructure for future growth. The facility integrates into Emotive’s European logistics network, providing real‑time visibility across distribution hubs and improving order accuracy and delivery speed. CEO Martin Conrad said the expansion marks a milestone in building a dynamic and responsive logistics network that can scale with the product portfolio and improve service reliability.2

Titi’s take:

Emotive’s investment shows confidence in the Central‑European aftermarket. By doubling its storage capacity and integrating systems, the group looks to reduce lead times and enhance service quality for Polish and regional customers. The move should also improve the competitiveness of independent distributors against OEM‑controlled channels.

Alliance Automotive Group introduced a new NAPA Truck cab suspension and bellows range for heavy‑duty vehicles. The range covers major commercial‑vehicle manufacturers and features robust designs with high‑quality components such as chloroprene rubber air bellows, PTFE pistons and high‑temperature, oil‑resistant seals. Products comply with REACH regulations, undergo rigorous testing and include a one‑year warranty.3

Titi’s take:

AAG’s product launch widens NAPA’s presence beyond passenger cars and into the heavy‑duty segment. It positions the group to capture aftermarket demand for suspension and ride‑comfort components, especially as fleets extend asset lifecycles amid economic uncertainty.

Alliance Automotive Group (AAG) announced the acquisition of Autosupplies Ltd, a Chesterfield‑based distributor with 30 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket and paint/refinishing sectors. AAG said Autosupplies’ experienced team will join the organisation and help expand its service offering.4

Titi’s take:

It’s certainly interesting to see that consolidation continues in Europe’s distribution landscape. By purchasing a well‑established regional distributor, AAG strengthens its UK network and broadens its customer base. This mirrors a broader trend of larger groups buying smaller independent distributors to achieve scale and leverage digital platforms.

Global/Europe - 30 Oct 2025

LKQ Corporation released its third‑quarter 2025 results, reporting revenue of US $3.499 billion, up 1.3 % year‑on‑year. Parts and services revenue increased 1.1 %, while net income was $178 million (down 2.8 % YoY). CEO Justin Jude said the sale of LKQ’s Self Service segment and strong European margins enabled the company to update its full‑year guidance and focus on simplifying the business and driving market share gains.5

Titi’s take:

LKQ’s modest revenue growth and focus on operational simplification reflect the pressures facing global parts distributors: competition, inflation and the need to streamline portfolios. The results shows Europe as a bright spot for LKQ and points to the importance of efficiency initiatives such as the sale of non‑core divisions.

10 Nov 2025

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) reported that the UK government will review the MOT price cap following industry calls for a more future‑focused approach. Trade bodies argue that the current £54.85 fee, unchanged since 2010, fails to cover the cost of testing modern vehicles with advanced safety systems. Mark Blinston of BM Catalysts said a sustainable fee structure would help independent garages invest in equipment and training needed to test complex vehicles.6

Titi’s take:

Though UK‑specific, this debate influences the wider European aftermarket by highlighting how outdated regulations can strain garages and parts manufacturers. I’m hoping that by reforming the UK fee could set a precedent for other markets to modernise testing schemes and ensure the independent sector remains profitable.

31 Oct 2025

The Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) published an article which emphasised that Poland has become the seventh‑largest exporter of automotive parts worldwide and that Polish companies supply components and technology to global OEMs. The article noted that Polish suppliers would showcase their portfolios at the AAPEX trade fair in Las Vegas, demonstrating their capabilities in parts and technologies.7

Titi’s take:

This is great news for CEE! Poland’s rising stature as a parts exporter starts to put the region’s importance to the global supply chain under a bright spotlight.

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