After its official launch in September 2018 at the Automechanika trade fair in Frankfurt, AMERIGO International is off to a flying start in 2019: new shareholders, new supplier agreements, an enhanced structure, and many, many international events to come throughout the year.
27 shareholders in 21 markets
For AMERIGO International, an international service provider, 2018 ended on a high note. In line with its business plan, the company finalized its shareholding structure on December 31st, 2018. A total of 27 founding shareholders and distributors operating in 21 markets responded favorably to the call made by Olivier van Ruymbeke in October 2017. One notable newcomer is the French group GPI, which joined AMERIGO International. As a reminder, while the majority of the company’s share capital is held by AUTOMOTOR France, the distributors are also shareholders in the company. “I am proud to say that we are staying true to our initial commitment by allowing each distributor to have a real influence on the company’s decisions,” explained Olivier van Ruymbeke, President of AMERIGO International. As the company’s shareholding structure is now finalized, AMERIGO International will continue its geographic expansion by allowing distributors who wish to become members to do so.
20 suppliers are committed to our long-term success
During the fourth quarter of 2018, AMERIGO International negotiated and signed three-year agreements with 20 well-known international suppliers. Other contracts are being finalized at the beginning of this year, but the bulk of distributors’ needs in all markets are already very widely covered. AMERIGO International’s purchasing strategy has not shifted since the project was launched: limiting the procurement to two suppliers per family of products, with a third listed supplier only when necessary, to meet specific identified needs such as with Asian or German vehicles.
New Operational Management
The structure of our operational management was strengthened on January 1st, 2019, with the arrival of Yves Maillière, our new Chief Operating Officer. “AMERIGO International is entering a new phase in its growth. Our foundations are now firmly laid, and 2019 marks the first year of operational readiness. It is thus important to reinforce our operational structure, and Yves will be bringing his vision and his knowledge of international markets and global automotive parts suppliers to AMERIGO International,” said Olivier van Ruymbeke. “I am excited to take on this new challenge, explained Yves Maillière, and to be able to devote my energy to developing new agreements with suppliers as well as recruiting new members and strengthening our ties with each of them.” Yves Maillière will also remain the Purchasing and Marketing Director of AUTOMOTOR France.
A successful first meeting on January 30
AMERIGO International recently held a meeting of its Advisory Board in Paris with shareholders appointed by their peers (one representative per continent). Three shareholders were physically present and one attended by videoconference to approve AMERIGO International’s 2019 roadmap. Most notably, they were able to measure the progress made on supplier agreements and on the RELIABLE electronic catalog, dedicated to emerging countries.
An event-packed calendar for 2019
AMERIGO International will be holding more events this year with its shareholders, suppliers, and future members. The agenda includes: • From March 11 to 14, AMERIGO International will attend the Equip Auto Algeria trade fair. Its stand will cover more than 100 sq. m of floor space, providing optimal support for its partner suppliers in this strategic market. An evening event with all Algerian members and suppliers will be held on Monday, March 11, 2019. • From April 4 to 7, AMERIGO International will be present at the Automechanika Istanbul trade fair. • From April 10 to 12, the annual AMERIGO International seminar will be held in Lyon, France, with all members and suppliers. • From August 28 to 29, AMERIGO International will be exhibiting at the Automechanika Moscow trade fair. • From October 15 to 19, AMERIGO International will, of course, be present at the Equip Auto Paris trade fair, where the adventure first started in October 2017.