The story of Euro Car Parts Ltd begins not with that name, but with Highway Autos, a car parts shop established in Willesden in 1978. This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would become the UK’s leading distributor of car and van parts. Within three years of opening its doors, the success of Highway Autos led to expansion with a second shop, signaling the ambition and growth potential that would come to define the company.
In 1984, fueled by an ever-increasing wealth of knowledge in automotive components, Euro Car Parts Ltd was officially established. This marked a pivotal moment, transitioning from a local retailer to a brand with national aspirations.
The 1990s set the stage for significant expansion beyond London. 1993 saw Euro Car Parts Ltd venture into new territories, opening branches in Birmingham and Manchester. These strategic locations were the first outside of the capital, demonstrating a clear intent to build a nationwide presence and serve a broader customer base.
The dawn of the new millennium in 2000 ushered in a period of rapid growth for Euro Car Parts Ltd. New sites were launched across the UK, including Glasgow, Bellingham, Chessington, East London, Belfast, Southampton, Leeds, and Newcastle. This expansion was not just geographical; the company also broadened its product range, further enhancing its extensive parts program to meet the diverse needs of the automotive aftermarket.
By 2001, Euro Car Parts Ltd had solidified its position as a market leader. With a well-defined strategy focused on the automotive aftermarket, the company successfully introduced comprehensive ranges for German and Scandinavian vehicle brands. Recognizing the growing market for French vehicles, programs for Peugeot, Renault, and Citroen were also launched, further diversifying their offerings.
The year 2004 was significant for the inception of the ‘All Makes’ concept at Euro Car Parts Ltd. Now boasting over 30 branches across the nation, the company became the foremost national distributor for European car marques. Expanding beyond European brands, Seat, Skoda, BMW Mini, and Smart car parts were added to the program. This period also saw the introduction of an ‘All-Makes’ program for essential automotive systems like Air Conditioning, Batteries, and Catalytic converters, demonstrating a commitment to serving a wider spectrum of vehicle needs.
Recognizing that talent is crucial to sustained growth, Euro Car Parts Ltd established its Training Academy in 2005. This initiative was designed to cultivate in-house expertise and support the company’s rapid expansion by developing skilled professionals within the automotive parts sector.
2006 marked the birth of the powerful mantra, “Any part for any car.” This simple yet impactful statement encapsulated the ambition of Euro Car Parts Ltd to serve every vehicle owner and repairer, regardless of vehicle make. This commitment broadened their customer base significantly, reinforcing their market reach.
Expanding beyond just parts supply, Euro Car Parts Ltd launched Garage Solutions in 2007. This comprehensive package offered garages tools and equipment, training, data, financial solutions, management support, and marketing assistance. This initiative aimed to empower their trade customers and foster mutual growth.
In 2008, despite a severe global market downturn and recession, Euro Car Parts Ltd demonstrated resilience and strength. Sales grew to £187 million, a remarkable 30% increase from the previous year, showcasing the company’s robust business model and customer loyalty even in challenging economic times.
The year 2010 brought prestigious contracts with RAC and Kwik Fit. Euro Car Parts Ltd was appointed the exclusive supplier of batteries, car parts, and consumables to RAC patrol vans. They also secured the coveted Kwik Fit contract for shocks, springs, and suspension components. Entering the new decade with over 80 branches across the UK underscored their growing national footprint and market dominance.
A significant turning point arrived in 2011 when Euro Car Parts Ltd was acquired by LKQ Corporation. This acquisition placed the company within a global powerhouse in automotive parts, providing access to greater resources and international opportunities. That same year also saw the launch of the convenient Click and Collect service, enhancing customer accessibility. By year-end, Euro Car Parts Ltd employed 3,400 individuals across 90 branches, reflecting substantial growth in both scale and service.
In 2012, Euro Car Parts Ltd reached a milestone with the opening of its 100th branch in Harrow, North London. Expansion continued rapidly, exceeding 125 branches by the end of the year. To manage increasing demand, a massive 141,000 sq. ft distribution center opened in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, primarily dedicated to housing the Collision Repair range, streamlining operations and improving supply chain efficiency.
European expansion became a reality in 2013. Continued growth in the UK coincided with the merger of Euro Car Parts Ltd with Sator Holdings, creating LKQ Euro. This merger formed one of the largest vehicle parts distributors in Europe, giving Euro Car Parts Ltd a platform for further international acquisitions. The first of these were Iris Coatings and 5 UK distributors of automotive paint and body shop supplies, strengthening their position in related automotive sectors.
2014 marked a prestigious recognition as Euro Car Parts Ltd’s parent company, LKQ Corporation, was named in the Fortune 500 list for the first time. Demonstrating corporate social responsibility, a partnership was formed with BEN, a charity supporting mental health within the automotive community.
The announcement of Super Hubs in 2015 heralded a new era in service delivery for Euro Car Parts Ltd. These Super Hub branches offered 100% availability of an expanded stock selection, significantly enhancing parts accessibility for customers. This strategic move was projected to create over 1,000 new jobs and add over 1 million sq ft of warehousing space. The Moss Lane Super Hub in Manchester also became the landmark 200th branch for Euro Car Parts Ltd.
Acquisitions continued to fuel growth in 2016. Euro Car Parts Ltd acquired Dublin-based aftermarket wholesaler HELLA Ireland, leisure specialist Arleigh Group, and the business assets of Andrew Page Limited, further consolidating its market presence and diversifying its portfolio.
In 2017, Euro Car Parts Ltd opened its first branch in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, extending its physical presence into Eire. Omnipart was launched as a dedicated online platform for trade customers, and the first Euro Car Parts Ltd trade catalogue was introduced to meet growing demand from professional technicians across the UK and Ireland, catering to both digital and traditional customer preferences.
The introduction of T2 in 2018 saw the opening of a 1 million sq. ft distribution center after consolidating five central distribution centers into two Tamworth sites (T1 & T2). Both sites became fully operational in 2018, creating a highly efficient central logistics infrastructure.
Euro Car Parts Ltd today, in 2019 and beyond, stands as the UK’s largest automotive parts distribution network. With over 280 branches nationwide, 20 rapid fulfillment centers, and 5,250k sq ft of warehouse storage, the scale of operations is immense. The company proudly stocks over 100,000 car, van, and caravan parts, fulfilling 50,000 branch deliveries to trade customers daily. This remarkable achievement is powered by a dedicated workforce of over 10,000 colleagues across various roles, from delivery drivers and warehouse staff to branch teams, central support, marketing, and finance, all contributing to the ongoing success story of Euro Car Parts Ltd.
