TecAlliance, a global market leader in automotive data management and integrated management solutions for manufacturers, dealers and workshops, has welcomed two additional important shareholders. In May 2018, ignition and sensor specialist NGK Spark Plugs and spare parts supplier and manufacturer the bilstein group joined TecAlliance. TecAlliance says this helps the organization further drive quality and excellence into data management, by building the global infrastructure that is paving the way for suppliers to successfully digitize their business in the automotive, medium-duty and heavy-duty aftermarkets.
The TecAlliance TecDoc catalog is widely recognized as one the largest databases for vehicle spare parts data worldwide, as it combines different standards such TecDoc, ACES and PIES data provided by OptiCat. However, in addition to current vehicle information and OE spare parts data, TecAlliance also provides integrated solutions and consulting services for electronic order processing (including invoicing) in the automotive aftermarket, as well as being a partner in Caruso, the neutral and open data marketplace for telematics data.
NGK Spark Plugs becomes the second Asian shareholder for TecAlliance
NGK and the bilstein group find themselves in good company at TecAlliance: the current shareholders’ list now includes a total of 35 partners, all of them leading vehicle parts manufacturers and traders in the automotive aftermarket.
“The investments by two additional renowned companies will help us in our challenge to promote the digitalization of our sector and to continue to set new standards in terms of data quality,” said Jürgen Buchert, TecAlliance CEO. “This expertise will flow into the further development of our solutions and therefore into the improved competitiveness of our portfolio.”
For many years these new shareholders have held strong positions in the international automotive aftermarket. NGK Spark Plugs is a leader in the worldwide aftermarket. Its product portfolio includes spark plugs, glow plugs, ignition coils and ignition leads, as well as sensors, such as lambda probes, exhaust gas temperature probes, NOx, manifold/boost pressure sensors and air flow meters. In North America, the Japanese ignition and sensor specialist is headquartered in Wixom, Michigan, and maintains manufacturing, inventory and distribution facilities in Irvine, California; Sissonville, West Virginia; and Chicago.
“The step we’re making by taking a share in TecAlliance will make NGK Spark Plugs one of the key suppliers for the high-quality data and information services that TecAlliance provides to the replacement parts trade and workshops around the world,” said Damien Germès, senior vice president EMEA at NGK Spark Plugs Europe GmbH. “We are optimally positioned to support TecAlliance in delivering digital excellence in the automotive aftermarket.”
With NGK Spark Plugs joining TMD Friction (Nisshinbo), TecAlliance now has two well-known Japanese component manufacturers as shareholders.
The bilstein group – high-quality replacement parts, available worldwide
Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG – a traditional, family owned company with sites around the world. For the automotive aftermarket alone, the parts supplier and manufacturer, with headquarters in Ennepetal, Germany, has a range of more than 60,000 spare parts for cars and commercial vehicles. The specialist aftermarket brands established within the bilstein group – febi, SWAG and Blue Print – are synonymous with high-precision parts of original equipment quality.
“We know firsthand how important it is to have reliable high-quality data for our day-to-day business, and also for that of independent workshops,” said Jan Siekermann, managing director of the bilstein group. “Therefore, we feel perfectly positioned as a TecAlliance shareholder. On behalf of our clients, but also in our own interest, our expertise and data will contribute to ensure that the digital transformation in the replacement parts market and the automotive industry will advance.”
