BRUSSELS and LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Unipart Automotive, one of the U.K.’s largest independent automotive parts suppliers, has selected Tenneco as a key supplier of aftermarket exhaust systems and components for the U.K. market. Unipart Automotive has more than 200 branches across the U.K. trading under the Unipart Automotive, Partco Autoparts and Express Factors brands.

“We are pleased to partner with Unipart to expand our reach in the U.K. with the largest distributor of exhaust products in this important market,” said Hari Nair, president, international, Tenneco. “This relationship positions both companies for significant aftermarket emission control growth by combining the strength of Unipart’s customer service focus and high consumer recognition with Tenneco’s powerful aftermarket brands and reputation as a leading original equipment supplier.”

John Neill, Unipart Group CEO, added, “Working in partnership with one of the world’s largest and most successful original equipment manufacturers further strengthens Unipart Automotive’s position as the number one exhaust choice in the U.K. aftermarket. We are the best known brand for automotive components and our partnership with Tenneco demonstrates our commitment to providing the best trade partnership to our customers across our extensive branch network.”

Unipart’s 200 branches across the U.K. supply both major repair chains such as KwikFit, ATS Euromaster and Nationwide Auto Centres, as well as more than 10,000 independent garages. The relationship with Tenneco allows Unipart to further expand its growing exhaust product range to cover more than 95 percent of the U.K.’s car parc. In addition, Unipart’s central distribution center offers overnight service, delivering unrivaled product availability for shops throughout the U.K., the company notes.

As part of the agreement, Tenneco will work with Unipart to further optimize its distribution system and help reduce time and cost to market. In addition, Tenneco will provide training for Unipart’s customers, helping the independent aftermarket further increase its competitiveness.

Tenneco will supply Unipart from its European manufacturing facilities including Valencia, Spain, for catalytic converters and Laval, France, for mufflers and pipes. Tenneco will ship scheduled orders directly from Continental Europe to Unipart’s central warehouse while also providing express order fulfillment and customer service from its regional distribution center in Birmingham.