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On 9 October 1962 Jost Reinhold founded RHIAG (an acronym for Rudolf Hiebsch Industry AG), in Milan, from the foundations of the Hiebsch company, which was already active in the spare parts business. We are in the midst of a great economic boom, one that saw the exponential growth of car ownership in Italy. The country starts the construction start to rely on their cars. Within this context, RHIAG perceives that the growing number of automobiles need a wider, more efficient sales and service organization for spare parts; RHIAG also represents important German companies producing original equipment for Italian car manufacturers.
RHIAG distribution 'takes over’ the independent channel serving the newly established spare parts centres and unaffiliated workshops.
RHIAG’s philosophy of customer service from the outset: "Wherever you are, we are there."
RHIAG’s sales force is the link between the company and its customers.
RHIAG builds its sales organization at full speed. It inaugurates its new Milan headquarters and its spare parts warehouse. With its 15 distribution branches, RHIAG’s presence spreads across Italy. In the 1970s, there were over 100,000 repair shops in Italy, and the mechanic emerged as an engine craftsman. The two distribution channels, independent and authorised, are strengthened. At the end of the seventies RHIAG represents many spare parts manufacturers in Italy and it sells 39 product families. The creation of RHIAG Switzerland marks the beginning of international expansion.
To better serve customers, the number of branches is also growing: with 15 centres Italy is now covered.
RHIAG's 'historical' suppliers already include GLYCO, GOETZE, LUK, WHALER.
At the end of the 1970s, the first expansion of the central warehouse provided a total storage volume of 54,000 m3.
Always innovation-oriented, RHIAG boosts its Information Technology department and introduces new management software providing an important competitive advantage. The company has 250 employees. Warehouse capacity is over 100,000 m3 and turnover reaches 150 billion liras (75 million euro). The core business becomes the independent distribution chain to wholesalers. RHIAG builds customer loyalty with logistics services, a wide range of products and the best technical assistance on the market. At the end of the decade, the business of supplying original parts to Italian car makers is transferred to RHIAG Engineering company.
Early 1980s: RHIAG upgrades the Information Technology department.
Added to the RHIAG portfolio are brands such as: AMC, BREMBO, BOGE, TEXTAR
RHIAG’s expertise in technical assistance is widely recognized—another competitive advantage.
RHIAG, continuing to innovate, opens a new central warehouse in Milan with technological advances that make stocking and picking easier than ever. RHIAG acquires Saipra and Celea to expand its product portfolio. Other new brands join RHIAG, all original equipment quality. Internationalization continues with the acquisition of Elit in Eastern Europe. In Italy, RHIAG strengthens its position by acquiring Bertolotti. RHIAG becomes the market leader.
At the end of the 1990s there are 21 branches and total warehouse volume reaches 300,000 m3.
There are now 500 employees, 50 product lines, and a total of 37,000 catalogue numbers serving 5,000 customers.
A new central warehouse opens in Milan, adding 50,000 m3 of storage space.
Many new additions to the range: CONTITECH, GKN, KNECHT, KS, MAHLE, NGK, OMP, RUVILLE, SIL, SWF.
Besides traditional logistic services and product range, a third strategic asset is added, with the aim of providing support services to wholesalers and garages. Logistic networks double in ten years including stocking capacity, and network information systems. RHIAG is first in the market to launch an e-Commerce b2b revolutionizing wholesalers’ way of placing orders. The BER expands competition in the repair market and RHIAG develops its multi-brand Garage Network. RHIAG continues to set the pace with new products to seize new business opportunities, greater market penetration and expanded product offerings.
RHIAG presents its service strategy at Autopromotec
A new strategy based on the 3 axes of Product, Logistics and Services is spread over the 3 distribution levels of RHIAG, Wholesaler, Repairer (abbreviated as 3R in Italian).
GIPA frequently recognizes RHIAG for Business Strategy and Corporate Dynamism
As the BER liberalizes the repair market, RHIAG sets up its ’a posto’ Garage Network.
Starter Battery becomes RHIAG’s first private label.
RHIAG launches ecommerce to manage product references which have grown exponentially due to the growth of car brands and models.
RHIAG is one of the founders of ADIRA
The product offering now includes Air Conditioning, Electronics and Body Parts
In the 2010s, RHIAG is positioned among the industry leaders in Europe. It continues its path of growth and internationalization. With the acquisition of Auto Kelly, it strengthens its presence in Eastern Europe and expands into new markets. In 2012, RHIAG celebrates 50 years with renewed strength and passion. It introduces the Starline private label that offers quality at affordable prices. ERA joins RHIAG’s family and strengthens its electrical and electronics offer. 2016 marks a watershed: RHIAG joins LKQ Corporation, an American Nasdaq Company operating globally. RHIAG continues to diversify by acquiring Motorparts, a distributor of spare parts for motorbikes, and MD2, dedicated to body shop products. RHIAG introduces the 2-step distribution model with BM-Stahlgruber. RHIAG offers great services directly to motorists through the new 'web-garage' online quotation service and its Garage Networks.
With the new 'web-garage' online quotation service and the restyling of the 'a posto' network, RHIAG is aiming straight at the motorist.
A fully integrated distribution system guarantees more than 90% of deliveries within 2½ hours of ordering.
RHIAG offers high quality technical training to mechanics.
RHIAG presents all of its Garage Networks (3 for cars, 1 for trucks) at Autopromotec 2011
E-commerce is now the priority sales and communication channel to customers, accounting for 96% of orders. The e-catalog improved with license plate and VIN number searches.
RHIAG Group joins the LKQ Family
'A great history, a great future.' 60 years of excellence serving the Automotive Aftermarket. The 2020s open on scenarios of great complexity: automotive technology trends intertwine with macroeconomic trends. Words such as connectivity, digitalization, autonomous driving, and electrification outline new paths for a mobility that is increasingly shared and increasingly sustainable. In this year, 2022, RHIAG celebrates its 60th anniversary. Far from being a mere milestone, it is a time of momentum towards an even more promising future together within the LKQ Europe group. In the tradition of service to the market, characterized by a dynamic approach and great passion, and under LKQ's European innovation, RHIAG presents solutions and projects that continue to bring value to the distribution and repair supply chains.
A full range of innovative solutions pave the way for repair garages of the future.
LKQ Europe impressive footprint.
