We’re excited to share some big news: we’ve officially joined the German industry association NICATS – Network of Independent Catalog & Service Providers e.V., as a supporter! NICATS was founded in 2020 with a clear mission: to strengthen unified structures for the independent automotive aftermarket (IAM). And now, we’re proud to stand alongside them in shaping the future of our industry.
Strategic Alliance to Strengthen European IAM Structures
We will support NICATS to expand cooperation within the network and intensify the exchange of information on technical requirements, data systems, and upcoming market developments. This step is considered a strategic milestone for the independent aftermarket.
“We consider it a great asset to have TecAlliance as a strong partner at our side. Open and regular exchange is not only valuable for our market, but absolutely essential for jointly developing data quality and workflows. With TecAlliance, we are gaining an important driving force for the further development of sustainable solutions in the independent aftermarket.“
With the new supporter partnership, we are sending a clear signal with NICATS for a more efficient, more closely networked IAM ecosystem. We are joining at a time when the data market is undergoing major changes. In particular, the changed discussion about VIN information and its processing and use poses major challenges for the entire industry.
Better data is essential for the correct identification of vehicles and the allocation of spare parts – for processing and thus use, this affects almost all market participants in the independent aftermarket and providers of data and IT systems.
Together with NICATS, we want to tackle this task and pool our expertise to develop viable, practical solutions. And the current changes are not only being observed, but actively shaped.
“The support of NICATS is another step on our path to actively shaping the digital transformation of the independent aftermarket. As a leading data provider, we see it as our responsibility to promote innovation, strengthen standards, and drive the future of IAM forward together with strong partners. A central element of our new strategy, which we began implementing at the end of 2024, is to bring the market closer together and strengthen cooperation. The NICATS members have been reliable partners at our side for many years – their expertise is crucial in bringing our data efficiently and practically to the point of service. That is why we are particularly pleased to accompany this development as an official supporter.”
Cooperation as the Basis for Efficient Data Processes
NICATS pursues the goal of improving existing structures for identifying and processing spare parts data and classifying future developments – for example, in the areas of telematics or regulatory requirements for OE data – at an early stage. A key component of this is direct dialogue with data suppliers in order to jointly address market challenges and create practical solutions.