In a milestone event held in Chennai, George Oakes Ltd., part of the Amalgamations Group and one of India’s most respected automotive distribution companies, officially announced a strategic alliance with Group Auto, the world’s oldest and largest International Trading Group (ITG) for automotive aftermarket parts. This partnership aims to reshape India’s evolving aftermarket landscape through digitization, access to global OEMs, and an integrated distributor and garage ecosystem.
Setting the Stage for Change
Ram Venkataramani, Director of George Oakes, contextualized the partnership amid broader market dynamics. “The Indian aftermarket is now over ₹1 lakh crore, growing at 7–8% annually — but it’s becoming more challenging. OEMs are increasing dominance. Tier-1s are exploring micro-distribution. Distributors must evolve, offering more than just logistics or finance — we must offer value.”
He cautioned that in a rapidly digitizing world, distributors who do not modernize risk being sidelined. “If we don’t upgrade, digitize, and add strategic value, OEMs and Tier-1s will find alternate ways to reach customers. That’s why access to Group Auto’s network, tools, and global supplier relationships will be critical.”
Ram also envisioned a future defined by collaborative logistics, shared warehousing, and stronger alliances. “We live in the age of co-opetition, not competition. Together, we can grow smarter, leaner, and stronger. This alliance will fast-track George Oakes’ vision to become a pan-India powerhouse in distribution.”
Mesut Urgancilar, Managing Director of Group Auto Middle East & Africa, underscored the strategic importance of India. “India is one of the largest and richest automotive markets — not just in size, but in cultural depth and philosophy. We are proud to finally be here, in partnership with Ram and George Oakes. It’s a milestone for our global family.”
Venkatraman, CEO of George Oakes, highlighted the importance of this new chapter: “Today marks a significant milestone for both Group Auto and George Oakes as we embark on a new era of collaboration. It’s a proud and exciting moment. We’re building something bigger than ourselves — a sustainable, strategic, and service-driven future.”
Saravanakumar, Head of Marketing, reflected on George Oakes’ journey from a modest garage in 1941 to becoming part of the Amalgamations Group — one of India’s most respected engineering conglomerates. “We’ve doubled our business in the last three years. That’s only possible because we made the right decisions at the right times. Now, with Group Auto, we’re choosing growth, scale, and future-readiness.”
He emphasized the brand’s evolution from a distributor to a comprehensive supply chain solutions provider, offering reach and last-mile fulfilment across segments such as two-wheelers, tractors, off-highway vehicles, and a growing footprint in car and bike servicing.
Group Auto’s Global Strengths, Local Intent
Bharathkumar, Commercial Director of Group Auto, detailed the ITG’s expansive global footprint, comprising over 2,100 distributors across 114 countries and a turnover exceeding €22 billion.
“We’re not just a trading body — we are a business development platform. We support suppliers and distributors by creating structured access to markets, garages, digital tools, and decision-making intelligence.”
Key highlights of Group Auto’s capabilities include:
• Access to over 62 global brands, including the likes of Bosch, Schaeffler, Continental, Valeo, Shell, and Exide
• Workshop networks such as Euro Garage (passenger cars) and Top Truck (commercial vehicles)
• End-to-end digitization tools via proprietary software companies Softeca (Spain) and Digilera (Turkey)
• Training, tooling, and diagnostic support tailored to workshop scale and location
• Fleet network integration, connecting workshops directly to fleet operators
“Workshops are the final consumers of parts, tyres, lubricants. We help them not just access Tier-1 parts, but also modernize through digitization, tooling, and process upgrades — tailored to their scale,” he added.
Member Benefits and Global Synergies
Group Auto’s model is designed around mutual growth. Distributors benefit from volume-based incentives and rebates, brand expansion support, and global sourcing opportunities through the extensive 2,100-strong network. There is no commission on inter-member deals, enabling seamless trade and networking.
“Every brand added is a long-term asset. And with no commissions on inter-member deals, we simply enable trade and networking. We’re your extra eyes and ears in global markets,” Bharathkumar noted. The ITG hosts two major global trade summits annually, with recent venues including Ireland, Miami, and Crete, and upcoming events planned in Dubai, Portugal, and Paraguay.
The Road Ahead
The alliance between George Oakes and Group Auto is more than a business agreement — it represents a shared commitment to mutual growth, innovation, and a future-ready aftermarket ecosystem.
As both companies invest in infrastructure, digital transformation, and network expansion, they are establishing a new benchmark in how global collaboration can empower local excellence in India’s rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket.
