The two automotive suppliers HELLA and Faurecia are joining forces and will be operating jointly in the aftermarket.
By bundling activities, not only do customers benefit from a comprehensive range of services, but above all from a significantly expanded product spectrum.
While HELLA particularly stands for a high level of original equipment (OE) expertise in the areas of lighting and electronics, Faurecia, among other things, distinguishes itself by a high level of competence in exhaust systems.
One in four cars worldwide is equipped with an exhaust system from Faurecia.
The joint aftermarket activities will initially start in this area. In the future, the range of services will be expanded step by step.
“Together, we will consistently transfer this know-how to the independent aftermarket,” says Stefan van Dalen, who is responsible for HELLA’s global aftermarket business.
“In addition, HELLA simplifies the wholesalers’ business and accompanies workshops along the entire repair process – from vehicle acceptance to vehicle diagnostics, including error and parts identification, to online repair assistance and technical advice.”
Maryse Penny, corporate strategy director at Faurecia, said: “We are pleased to now have HELLA as a partner with a high-performance aftermarket network at our side.
“This will further intensify our proximity to customers and additionally drive our growth in the aftermarket.
“By jointly offering high-quality spare parts and services, we not only facilitate ordering and logistics processing for wholesalers and workshops, but above all ensure fast and profitable repair processes.”
At the start of the joint activities, Faurecia’s Easy2Fit exhaust system kits will soon be available in HELLA’s aftermarket programme.
With around 3,300 different exhaust system kits in four product groups (diesel particulate filters, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes), over 26,000 OE application references can be covered.
This reduces space and storage costs and streamlines logistics.
The significantly simplified ordering and logistics process not only ensures fast and cost-effective repairs, but also allows the exhaust systems to be replaced efficiently by just one automotive mechanic.
After the successful takeover of HELLA by Faurecia on 31 January 2022, both companies will use the umbrella brand FORVIA in the future and form the seventh largest automotive supplier worldwide.
Under this common umbrella, both companies will continue to operate as independent, listed entities and will retain their legal names as Faurecia SE and HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA.
The product brands HELLA, HELLA Gutmann, HELLA PAGID and HELLA VALUEFIT will also remain in the independent aftermarket.