AFTERMARKET Automechanika Frankfurt 2024

TecAlliance Accelerates Global Expansion with New Leadership and Strategic Focus

TecAlliance, the leading expert for data management and processes in the automotive aftermarket, is expanding its operations under new leadership as it continues to enhance its presence in key markets around the world. With a global footprint in 27 locations, the company’s new CEO Peter van der Galiën, who took office in January 2024, is committed to building on TecAlliance’s 30-year legacy, driving international growth, and meeting rising customer demands beyond Europe.

At a press conference at Automechanika Frankfurt, Peter van der Galiën emphasised the importance of building on TecAlliance’s success and the need for a global approach: “Our focus remains on Europe, but we’ve seen significant demand for enhanced support beyond this region. We’ve invested heavily in developing our data solutions globally, resulting in the establishment of new offices around the world. With just one office in Germany 30 years ago, we now operate in 27 locations globally, and we’ve aligned our commercial organisation into four key regions—Americas, China, Asia Pacific, and EMEA—to support this growth. Each region is led by an EVP who ensures our global products are effectively delivered and adapted to local markets.”

The transition to a fully regionalised structure began in July 2024 and will be completed by January 2025, marking a new chapter in TecAlliance’s global evolution.

Driving Growth in EMEA

Frank Nieuwenhuys, who has been promoted to Executive Vice President Commercial for the EMEA region, highlighted the importance of localising both teams and products to accelerate business in the Middle East and Africa. “Think global, plan regional, act local,” he summarised the strategy and reported that TecAlliance has appointed nine employees dedicated to this region and expanded its Middle East vehicle database, with more to come.

Nieuwenhuys also emphasised the importance of strengthening TecAlliance’s European offering. A recent example is the implementation of a new core competency—Vehicle Registration Mark (license plate number) lookup—enabled by the acquisition of Strasbourg-based companies CAT-Data and FAB-Data in early 2024. “With this addition, we have realised a significant enhancement of our product offer which will make it easier for workshops to identify vehicles”, he said.

Moreover, the rise of electric vehicles, which bring new components and suppliers beyond the traditional European aftermarket, underscores the importance of TecAlliance’s global presence, particularly in China. “Our global approach enables our customers to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Our hands-on experience in one region allows us to swiftly implement solutions in others”, Nieuwenhuys explained.

Innovative Data Solutions

Dennis de Buck, who took on the role of Executive Vice President Data Solutions, highlighted TecAlliance’s launch of an electronic service book solution, replacing traditional vehicle maintenance booklets with digital service history registration. The TecRMI Service Book reduces workshop effort and enhances efficiency.

Furthermore, TecAlliance is leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning in a new search engine to improve user experience, while its Direct Acceptance Tool streamlines vehicle acceptance workflows in garages, increasing efficiency, revenue, and customer satisfaction.

Digitalising the Supply Chain

Bryan Marschall, Executive Vice President Process Solutions, underscored the role of TecCom in advancing the digitalisation of the supply chain. TecCom’s flagship product, TecCom Order, has been optimised to enhance the efficiency of order-related processes. A certification process in Order Pro ensures suppliers meet high standards, while new legislation such as EU-wide e-invoicing is supported by TecCom’s fully automated, tax-compliant solutions.

With increasing demands for sustainability, TecCom also provides a paperless, resource-efficient returns management solution. This is part of TecAlliance’s broader commitment to developing solutions that meet new regulations and evolving customer expectations worldwide