[Atlas] DRiV : “Dual OE-IAM positioning make it possible to achieve our goals”

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"Ensuring our team members’ safety, while continuing to restore our operational capacity to serve our customers, has been our priority." So says Audrey Harling, group vice president and general manager Tenneco DRiV Motorparts EMEA.

Despite “some extreme months” 2020 ended with a strong recovery for the Aftermarket division of DRiV. And while 2021 got off to a slow start, business picked up speed quickly and held up. "As consumers began driving again, we have seen significant demand within the Monroe shocks and struts, Moog steering and suspension, Ferodo braking and service parts (filters, lighting, wipers, ignition, etc.) categories. But we have also seen higher volumes in the engine and sealing categories, perhaps due to extended vehicle usage and consumers’ desire to address long-overlooked vehicle maintenance issues". Maurits Binnendijk, vice president and general manager DRiV Motorparts Western Europe, insists : “Our international coverage, the effectiveness of our organization, reinforced with the experience of the pandemic, have contributed to achieving the leading position in the market”.

And in fact, DRiV has benefited from its global presence and a portfolio of thirty brands covering a broad spectrum of market needs, both premium and mid-range. Another advantage is a significant manufacturing footprint across Europe so that production of spare parts could continue. “In the second half of 2020, orders took off. The problem has been helping some customers to replenish their stocks and others to expand them exponentially. The flexibility of our factories dedicated to IAM made it possible to catch up quickly, gaining market share” adds Maurits Binnendijk.

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Anticipate shortages and market changes

The crisis of the "unprecedented" shortage of electronic components is not over yet. "DRiV’s size and its dual OE-IAM positioning made it possible to meet all these challenges and to safeguard our sourcing as much as possible" Maurits Binnendijk, vice president and general manager DRiV Motorparts Western Europe, continues. “Like most suppliers, we have implemented price increases to help offset the unprecedented rise in commodity costs. For example, the costs of steel and sea freight increased 50% between March and June 2021. We have worked very hard to keep our customers apprised of these issues to help mitigate the impacts on their own businesses and customers.” Finally, DRiV is preparing for the technological changes that the energy transition imposes.

“Our mission is to supply quality parts regardless of the energy mix. We are expanding our OE portfolio and passing it on to IAM. For example, we recently introduced a new brake fluid specially formulated for hybrids and electric vehicles,” says Audrey Harling.

“We have a long-term view of powertrain electrification and its impact on the aftermarket. First, ICE vehicles continue to dominate the car parc and we will partner with our customers to meet the increased demand for parts for these vehicles. At the same time, we understand that EVs will lead to increased opportunities in a variety of parts categories, including steering and suspension, wheel-end and braking. In many cases, these aftermarket products will be more expensive due to specialized technologies necessary for these vehicles which you will find in our aftermarket leading brands like Monroe, Ferodo, MOOG and others we offer. DRiV is well positioned to serve future technologies, leveraging our presence in OE in both passive and advanced electronic suspension technologies into the aftermarket”concludes Maurits Binnendijk.

Caroline Ridet

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