Euro Car Parts (ECP) has joined European buying and marketing group ATR International AG as a full stakeholder, elected by other members.

The deal will help create extra buying power and improve ECP’s access to new technology, such as crash avoidance and drive-by-wire systems.

The company will also be able to share information and expertise with ATP’s 23 other shareholders, including garage marketing, IT systems, training and technical support.

David Bevan, ECP director, said: “Partnership with some of the biggest and most influential parts distributors across Europe will strengthen our purchasing position with both existing and new suppliers.”

ATR was established in 1999 and has since established with suppliers ranging from body parts to workshop equipment, focusing on establishing guaranteed same-day delivery for workshops.

The group’s members now span 35 companies operating in 32 countries, including North America. Projected combined turnover for 2008 is £2.5 million.

ATR managing director Roland Dilmetz said: “ECP’s commitment to the UK aftermarket, along with its experience in all-makes parts fits perfectly with our existing members’ thoughts and our desire to expand our presence in Europe.”

Claiming to be the largest parts supplier to the UK’s independent aftermarket, Wembley-based ECP is expecting turnover to grow from £119m to £150m by the end of 2008.

The company has five new branches under construction, due to open by the end of the year, which will bring its nationwide network to 62.

In addition to parts sales, last September it launched Euro Garage Solutions, providing a full supply, installation and on-site training service for workshops.

The scheme allows garages to buy equipment in monthly payments, paid off in full by ECP if they continue to reach set parts and purchasing targets.