LKQ and SYNETIQ Launch European Recycled Automotive Parts Joint Venture

According to a press release issued by LKQ Corporation, the company has entered into a strategic joint venture with SYNETIQ Ltd., a leading UK-based vehicle salvage and recycling firm and an IAA company. The new entity, LKQ SYNETIQ, will serve as a key step in developing a Europe-wide platform for the supply and distribution of recycled automotive parts.

As reported by LKQ, the partnership aims to combine LKQ Europe’s extensive parts distribution network with SYNETIQ’s expertise in dismantling and remanufacturing, having dismantled approximately 27,000 vehicles across four UK sites in 2024 alone. The move is described as part of a broader strategy to address upcoming EU regulatory requirements, including the Fit-for-55 climate package, End-of-Life Vehicle Directive, and emerging rules on battery recycling.

According to LKQ, the joint venture will be jointly led by key figures from both organizations: Michael Hill, Dismantling Operations Director at SYNETIQ; Annick Jourdenais, Senior Project Director Salvage at LKQ Europe; and Magnus Tagesson, CEO of LKQ Atracco and Managing Director of LKQ Europe’s Salvage Channel.

In a statement, Andy Hamilton, President and Executive Managing Director of LKQ Europe, emphasized that the collaboration “marks a major milestone” in LKQ’s mission to deliver affordable and sustainable mobility solutions across the continent. “By combining SYNETIQ’s dismantling and recycled parts expertise with LKQ’s unmatched parts catalogue and logistics footprint, we will give customers genuine choice, reduce the carbon footprint of repair and stay ahead of evolving European regulations,” Hamilton stated.

Karl Werner, Chief Business Development Officer at RB Global (parent company of IAA), noted that the joint venture would also benefit the UK’s domestic repair and salvage sectors. “Partnering with LKQ allows SYNETIQ to accelerate the flow of quality reused and remanufactured components into UK repair networks,” Werner said.

As outlined in the announcement, LKQ SYNETIQ plans to integrate new aftermarket parts, certified remanufactured components, and quality-assured recycled parts into a single catalogue, enhancing access to sustainable options for repair shops—especially those handling hybrid and electric vehicles. The venture also aims to help the independent aftermarket access OEM “captive” parts, which are often restricted by manufacturers.

The joint venture is expected to drive additional investment into the broader UK salvage sector, with LKQ continuing to source salvage vehicles from across Europe to support supply.

Source: LKQ Corporation