Group Auto CEE
A comprehensive company review
Today we will uncover everything there is to know about GROUPAUTO CEE. To better understand the reach of Groupauto CEE’s influence, we have to zoom out and uncover a bit about GROUPAUTO International, which GROUPAUTO CEE represents as a branch in Central and Eastern Europe.
GROUPAUTO International make up a significant consortium of cooperative buying groups for automotive parts distributors who operate independently.
Established over four decades ago, in 1977, GROUPAUTO International unites more than 110 independent distributors of automotive parts throughout Europe. The network extends across 29 nations and accounts for a combined annual revenue of approximately €9 billion.
This cooperative buying group capitalizes on the collective bargaining strength of its members to secure more favorable deals, rebates, and service contracts from key suppliers. Such collaboration allows independent dealers to effectively compete with larger corporate entities.
Members gain access to GROUPAUTO's negotiated contracts, which offer preferential rates and conditions on a vast array of over half a million original and aftermarket parts. Additionally, GROUPAUTO streamlines the logistics of the supply chain, enhancing the efficiency of transnational parts distribution.
The association offers an array of support services to its members, including training, digital systems, promotional assistance, and enhanced brand visibility. Its mission is to maintain exemplary service standards while providing independent distributors with a consolidated front in interactions with manufacturers.
Image credits: groupauto.com
GROUPAUTO International by the numbers:
33 Members
59 Referenced Suppliers
1978 Distributors
7427 Passenger Car Workshops
937 Commercial Vehicle Workshops
15740 Points Of Sale
52501 Employees
109 Countries
28 Passenger Car Network Countries
14 Commercial Vehicle
On 9th March 2022, GROUPAUTO International (GAI) disclosed1 its acquisition of a 33% stake in the software developer from Burgos, Softeca. This move is a strategic part of GAI’s “Driving to Tomorrow” programme, emphasizing the digital evolution in the automotive aftermarket—a sector increasingly reliant on sophisticated digital tools like live vehicle data and electronic catalogues.
The collaboration between GAI and Softeca has been pivotal, particularly in developing the GNM Systems platform, enhancing the capabilities of parts distributors and workshops. GAI's investment reflects a recognition of the ongoing digital transformation within the automotive industry and the value of Softeca and its CEO, Ignacio Cantera, in this transition.
GAI’s President & CEO Holger Hellmich said, “We are delighted to strengthen further our relationship with a key partner in Softeca and I look forward to working even more closely with Ignacio Cantera to develop and deliver important tools for all members and partners who are interested.”
GROUPAUTO CEE was inaugurated in 2006 and consolidates prominent independent distributors of automotive parts within Central and Eastern Europe. The group comprises over 30 member entities that operate within 11 nations.
This subdivision shares the overarching goals of its international counterpart and zeroes in on the distinct markets of Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland, Romania,and the Baltic states.
The consortium's members collectively boast an impressive annual turnover exceeding €1 billion. The organization delivers benefits akin to those of GROUPAUTO International, including collective purchasing advantages, educational programs, marketing initiatives, IT support, and product lines designed specifically for the CEE market.
Emphasizing collaboration and size, GROUPAUTO equips independent dealers to stay formidable contenders within Europe's automotive aftermarket sector. Facing the challenges posed by digital transformation and the shift towards online commerce, GROUPAUTO is committed to preparing its members for forthcoming changes and maintaining their expertise in the distribution of automotive parts.
As of January 1, 2023, GROUPAUTO CEE has expanded its network by incorporating its first international members from Romania:
Auto Brand SRL stands out as a prominent Romanian supplier of truck parts, boasting sales exceeding EUR 28 million, primarily in Original Equipment Supplier (OES) quality components. With 20 locations throughout Romania and its central office in Bragadiru, near Bucharest, the company marks a significant presence.
Conex Distribution SA, located in Iasi, ranks as a top distributor of spare parts for cars and vans within Romania. The company's widespread operation includes 39 branches and achieves a turnover surpassing EUR 100 million, which encompasses its own brand products as well as OES parts.
Both enterprises are recognized for their vigorous growth, substantial market potential, and a clear commitment to progress.
Joining the GROUPAUTO CEE, these new affiliates aim to bolster their autonomy in the Romanian market, broaden their business scope, and seize emerging opportunities through top-tier supplier connections recommended by Groupauto and the Alliance Automotive Group.
History of GROUPAUTO International2
1990 Creation of GroupAuto EEIG with 3 members representing France, Spain and Germany: GROUPAUTO, GRUPO UNION (10G) and TS UNION.
1991 Creation of FSG (United Kingdom and Ireland)
1992 Creation of AUTO G (Denmark) and GROUPAUTO Turkey
1995 ATP Austria and INCAM (The Netherlands) join
1997 TS UNION leaves and EUROCME (Italy) joins.
1998 Creation of GROUPAUTO Poland
1999 Creation of GROUPAUTO Portugal
2000 Creation of GROUPAUTO Hellas (Greece) and GROUPAUTO CIS (Russia, Belarus & Ukraine).
2003 COPARTS joins GROUPAUTO Germany
2005 Transformation from EEIG to GROUAUTO SA and creation of GROUPAUTO Czech Republic & Slovakia.
2006 Creation of GROUPAUTO Slovenia and GROUPAUTO Belgium
2007 Creation of GROUPAUTO Bulgaria, GROUPAUTO CIS is replaced by GROUPAUTO Bela (Belarus), GROUPAUTO Russia and GROUPAUTO Ukraine.
2008 Creation of GROUPAUTO Hungary and GROUPAUTO Brazil.
2009 Hans EISNER becomes president & CEO of GROUPAUTO international Select joins GROUPAUTO Germany. Creation of GROUPAUTO Adria (extension of GROUPAUTO Slovenia to Adriatic countries). Creation of GROUPAUTO Romania.
2010 Creation of GROUPAUTO Koivunen.
2011 GROUPAUTO Koivunen is replaced by GROUPAUTO Finland & Baltics.
2012 Creation of GROUPAUTO Georgia.
2013 Creation of GROUPAUTO Central America (Panama, Costa Rica, Hondura, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala), GROUPAUTO Israel, GROUPAUTO Kazakhstan, GROUPAUTO Moldova & GROUPAUTO Paraguay. GROUPAUTO Spain and GROUPAUTO Portugal became GROUPAUTO Iberia.
2014 Creation of GROUPAUTO Bolivia & GROUPAUTO Argentina.
2015 Creation of GROUPAUTO Colombia & GROUPAUTO USA & Canada
2016 Creation of GROUPAUTO China & GROUPAUTO Mexico.
2018 GROUPAUTO International welcomed GPC (Genuine Parts Company) as a new member.
2019 Creation of GROUPAUTO Maghreb with office in ORAN, Algeria. GROUPAUTO Georgia has been extended to GROUPAUTO CAUCASUS, which includes Armenia and Azerbaidjan. GROUPAUTO Kazakhstan has been extended to GROUPAUTO Central Asia which includes the following countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
2022 The name of the company Groupauto Polska Spółka has changed to INGroupauto CEE Limited Liability Company
2023 "DURING THE GROUPAUTO GENERAL ASSEMBLY TODAY, THE SHAREHOLDERS DECIDED TO INCREASE THE SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY WITH THE CREATION AND ISSUANCE OF NEW ORDINARY SHARES." The subscription to these new ordinary shares was offered to GROUPAUTO Asia, GROUPAUTO Brazil and GROUPAUTO Mexico. In turn, these companies have been approved as new shareholders.Interested in more?
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