Four automotive suppliers are planning to join forces to cut costs and provide a more efficient service to aftermarket customers.

SKF, Tenneco Automotive, TRW and Valeo have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop plans for a strategic alliance, sharing skills and resources in the key areas of training and technical support and logistics.

A Tenneco statement said: “The joint skills of the parties could enable them to put together a comprehensive package that would cover most of the needs of the automotive aftermarket industry.”

One area the alliance expects to save costs and improve efficiencies for aftermarket companies and their customers is logistics. Heavyweight components do not fill trucks due to weight restrictions, so could be combined with lighter parts to reduce delivery costs.

“The objective is to improve logistics services to customers in the most cost-effective way,” the alliance said.

The four companies would continue to operate independently, retaining their own brands and distribution channels.