A new buying group has been launched with plans to shake up the aftermarket supply chain. Supported by more 20 leading suppliers, United Aftermarket Network has seven motor factors on board.

Led by former FSG Automotive Group director Andrew Dickinson, UAN plans to work closely with suppliers and end user customers to benefit its distributors and is aimed at larger factors who are not already part of a buying group.

The group is negotiating supplier deals on 27 product groups for its car and commercial vehicle distributors who will all have access to at least two suppliers for a product to ensure a wide range of choice throughout the group.

Suppliers will pass rebates straight back to the members with 2% of the invoice total being paid to UAN. This will cover costs, marketing, incentives and conferences.

“An invoicing bureau will only add additional costs to the group,” says Dickinson. “Most factors are communicating directly with their suppliers via email. Invoicing is already being done electronically.”

The group will provide distributors with exclusive territories enabling the group to focus on independent installers, utilising suppliers' expertise to support installers with training, marketing and access to diagnostics.