Unipart Automotive
Ceased TradingWhy consider this supplier?
Unipart Automotive was a UK distributor of car parts to garages and trade customers. It grew from Unipart Group's aftermarket business, which expanded sharply with the purchase of Partco in 1999. In 2011 the Group sold control of the distribution arm to a company backed by H2 Equity Partners. Unipart Automotive Limited was incorporated in August 2011. At its peak it ran 180 branches and distribution hubs under the Unipart Automotive, Partco Autoparts and Express Factors names, and supported over 700 independent garages through the Unipart Car Care Centre programme. It had 1,813 staff. It entered administration in July 2014, with KPMG as administrators. Andrew Page took 21 branches and The Parts Alliance 12. The rest closed. The company was dissolved in October 2017. Unipart Group, which kept a minority stake, is a separate business that still trades.
Capabilities
Components offered
Fuel systems, exhaust systems, structural components, engine cooling systems, and high-voltage battery packs for electric vehicles.
Products & services
Distribution of car parts and accessories to garages and trade customers through about 180 UK branches, plus the Unipart Car Care Centre garage programme.
Key technologies
R&D focus
Current research and development focuses on vehicle electrification through the Hyperbat joint venture, lightweighting technologies for fuel systems, and the application of Industry 4.0 and AI in logistics operations.
Certifications
Volume fit
Mass market · Specialist / low volume