Andy Hamilton (LKQ Europe): "Despite the slight decline in our turnover, our business remains strong"

Andy Hamilton: The challenges we are seeing in Europe are affecting the entire sector. Despite a slight decline in our turnover [expected to remain around €5 billion - Ed.], our business remains strong, profitable and resilient. We continue to focus on what we do best: providing the availability and reliable services our customers need to ensure business continuity.

A.H.: We are continuing our efforts to integrate our European operations, replacing legacy systems and reducing complexity to better serve our customers. At the same time, we are developing new channels and mobility solutions such as LKQ Synetiq (circular economy) and LKQ Electriq (repair of batteries and high-voltage components for electric vehicles), designed to support the evolving aftermarket.

A.H.: LKQ Europe is established in 18 markets and is the leader on many of them, while maintaining a strong position in the European aftermarket as a whole.

A.H.: We can confirm that the specialised business in the US, including Keystone, is up for sale and, as you mentioned, the self-service retail business, including Pick Your Part, has been sold. These were long-term strategic decisions specific to these US businesses and unrelated to LKQ Europe. Regarding market speculation about the sale of LKQ Europe, we do not speculate on rumours or hypothetical scenarios. LKQ remains confident in its European operations and committed to its ongoing transformation.

A.H.: We have all had to contend with a series of major shocks over the past six years, from the pandemic to Brexit to Ukraine. Each time, we have worked hard to minimise any disruption to the availability of spare parts in Europe, the UK and Ireland, and we are confident that our infrastructure and systems are robust enough to weather any future storms. Our transformation programme will further strengthen our resilience.

A.H.: The situation has evolved constantly throughout the year, and we continue to closely monitor developments in global trade, not only between Europe and the United States – where we are not particularly exposed – but also in other regions, where protectionism is strengthening more generally, as well as the total impact of all barriers on globally interconnected supply chains. So far, we have managed to protect our customers from any major impacts; and we will do our best to continue to do so.

A.H.: 2025 was a difficult year for the aftermarket, and we expect these pressures to continue into 2026, whether in terms of economic headwinds or the pace of technological change. But this is a fundamentally resilient sector that has proven its ability to innovate and adapt. The industry will continue to evolve, and well-managed operators will find opportunities even in difficult conditions.

A.H.: The future market breakdown in terms of engines is important for our business. Understanding how it will evolve and over what period of time will help us to prepare for these future changes. But whatever the composition of the EU's vehicle fleet in terms of engine types, as an independent operator, we must have full access to spare parts, tools, data and training, under equitable conditions and on the basis of fair competition, in order to keep vehicles running and guarantee the mobility of the European people. 

A.H.: A strong European spare parts industry benefits all players in the aftermarket. But choice and competitive pricing are just as important, especially for independent operators. We need to understand the practical implications – in terms of costs, supply chains and parts availability – before taking a position on specific local content targets.