Parts company TRW Automotive has bought ArvinMeritor's European shock absorber business.

The takeover means TRW will now market the Gabriel brand as well as its own TRW shock absorbers.

It also takes over a manufacturing facility in Bonneval, France.

 

“This move is in direct support of our ‘Corner Module’ business strategy,” said Francois Augnet, vice president global parts and service.

“The term describes our field of expertise within the aftermarket and reflects our OEM engineering pedigree. Our offer of braking, steering & suspension and shock absorbers, which are integrated in the ‘corner’ of the vehicle, affords us a unique service proposition.”

TRW Automotive Aftermarket will continue to manufacture both Gabriel and TRW branded shock absorbers at the Bonneval facility.

TRW will continue to market both brands across the independent aftermarket (IAM).

TRW Automotive Aftermarket and ArvinMeritor entered into a joint venture agreement in October 2007 to market and distribute TRW and Gabriel branded shock absorber ranges for the European independent aftermarket.

In January 2009, ArvinMeritor decided to dispose of its light vehicle interests to concentrate on its heavy-duty business.

TRW signed a letter of intent to purchase ArvinMeritor’