LKQ Europe and SYNETIQ have announced a new joint venture, LKQ SYNETIQ, to enhances the supply of automotive parts to the UK aftermarket.
The new venture will combine SYNETIQ’s dismantling, reuse and remanufacturing expertise—approximately 27,000 vehicles dismantled annually across four UK sites in 2024—with LKQ’s distribution reach and data-driven logistics network.
By bringing new aftermarket parts, certified remanufactured parts and quality-assured recycled parts into a single catalogue, LKQ SYNETIQ will give workshops and bodyshops affordable, sustainable options for increasingly complex repairs—including hybrid and EV models—and help them access ‘captive’ OEM parts that are withheld from the independent aftermarket.
LKQ will continue to source salvage vehicles and recycled parts from a variety of sources across Europe to provide the best availability and access to consumers. The additional demand generated by LKQ’s scale will channel fresh investment into the wider UK salvage sector to support and invigorate the industry.
Building block
The joint venture is a key building block in the development of LKQ Europe’s salvage channel, further enhancing SYNETIQ’s strategic goal of maximising the environmental and financial potential of every vehicle.
The joint venture will be led by Annick Jourdenais, LKQ Europe’s senior project director salvage, and SYNETIQ’s dismantling operations director, Michael Hill. They will work with Magnus Tagesson, CEO of LKQ Atracco and managing director of LKQ Europe’s salvage channel.
Andy Hamilton, president and executive managing director, LKQ Europe, said: “This joint venture is a major milestone in our mission to put sustainable, affordable mobility within reach of every workshop and bodyshop in Europe.
“By combining SYNETIQ’s dismantling and recycled parts expertise with LKQ’s unmatched parts catalogue and logistics footprint, we will give customers genuine choice, reduce the carbon footprint of repair, and stay ahead of evolving European regulation.
“It’s further proof that—as market leader—we are not standing still but investing to keep our customers one step ahead. We will continue to look at further opportunities to expand this channel across Europe.”
Kevan Wooden, CEO, LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “Independent garages and bodyshops tell us they want the flexibility to source new, recycled or remanufactured parts from a single trusted provider, and with LKQ SYNETIQ this is exactly what we’ll be doing in what is a first for the UK aftermarket. It will empower technicians with more ways to cut key-to-key times, improve margins and hit sustainability targets,”
Karl Werner, chief business development officer, RB Global, added: “Partnering with LKQ allows us to accelerate the flow of quality reused and remanufactured components into Europe’s repair networks. SYNETIQ has long been committed to sustainability, innovation and customer excellence.
“Together we will offer insurers, bodyshops and workshops a seamless supply of sustainable parts while continuing to support and invest in the UK’s vibrant salvage community with the globally recognized IAA auctions.”
