The Mahle Group is set to launch its engine components on the UK’s aftermarket.

Initially the focus will be on pistons, rings, cylinder liners and bearings. It is expected that valves will make an appearance in the range later this year.

Roger Mercer, a spokesperson for Mahle, says there will be no more than 10 or so distributors. “It’s all about finding the right distributor that has experience in that part of the automotive industry as well as a good reputation,” he says.

The company has spent £2.5m on a new warehouse in Wiltshire to be used to house the components.

Mahle has more than 200 distributors that it uses to sell its filter products throughout the UK; these have achieved a 7% market share over the last eight years.

However, there will be little or no crossover between these and the new engine components dealers.