Over the last twelve months, the Automotive Division has extended its reach by opening new stations in existing locations as well as launching concessions in new cities and countries.
This expansion will help to strengthen the company’s benchmark position in the
vehicle inspection and maintenance sector.
Latin American expansion
In 2017, the Automotive Division in Latin America gained a presence in two new countries after being awarded contracts to run one concession in Ecuador and two in Uruguay, both countries ones in which the Division did not previously operate.
The Division is now focused on winning subsequent contracts in these countries through new tender processes in order to extend and consolidate its operations.
Applus+ Automotive also reinforced its position in Chile with the opening of two new car inspection centres located in Quilicura (Metropolitan Region) and Victoria (Novena Region).
A greater stake in Inversiones Finisterre
Applus+ Iteuve has agreed to purchase, through Applus+ Iteuve Galicia SLU, 80% of the shares in Inversiones Finisterre (part of Grupo Fomento de Iniciativas), a private company based in Galicia (Spain) specialising in the provision of legal vehicle inspection services across Spain and Latin America.
This deal will make Applus+ the leading provider of statutory vehicle inspections in Latin America at the same time as strengthening its presence in Galicia (Spain), a market in which – going forward – all company divisions will be operating, employing a staff of more than 1,100.
New stations in Northern Europe
The Division has also opened a number of new auto inspection stations in Northern Europe, significantly widening its reach in this region.
Two such examples are Finland and Denmark. The former has seen the launch of five new stations: Espoo Juvanmalmi. Riihimäki Mattila, Turku Oriketo, Seinäjoki Itikka and Äänekoski Römmi. As such, the Division now has 53 stations in this Nordic country.
Seven new stations have opened in Denmark: Slagelse Øst, Skanderborg, Vejle Øst, Aalborg Vest, Herning Nord, Køge Midt and Aarup, bringing the total number of Danish Applus+ Automotive stations to 144.
All of these developments constitute significant strategic moves for Applus+ as they help to cement the Group’s leadership position at both a local and a global level.