General Motors is putting its global aftermarket parts business ACDelco up for sale in order to generate much-needed cash.It announced that it has retained Merrill Lynch to assist in the sale of the replacement components company, whose 30 product lines range from wiper blades and oil filters to radiators for GM and non-GM marques. It is believed to be profitable.

Analysts believe the disposal would be sensible for GM, in order to allow it to focus on its core business of making cars. 

The sale could be to a private equity buyer, as analysts believe parts rivals would not be prepared to make a major acquisition while the car market remains in decline. 

ACDelco has around 600 employees globally, two thirds of whom work in the US.