Shanghai (ZXZC)- After purchasing stake in Jian Xin in Februry, Groupe PSA announced on November 28 that it acquires shares in the UAP Auto Union, a Shandong-based automotive spare parts distributor. The group said that the acquisition would be the first step to a stronger participation in UAP.

In the statement, the French automaker outlines its ambition to be a leader in the independent aftermarket in China via its own distributors, including Jian Xin and UAP, its China joint venture DPCA and other commercial agreements like with YouErKuai in Guangzhou.

Founded in 1991, UAP is a pioneer of Chinese auto parts chain enterprises and has over 150 distribution stores with coverage of 7 provinces and 2 cities across China. With the help of UAP, PSA will have access to a competitive and efficient distribution system to meet the market demands.

PSA pointed out that it aims to become a global leader in multi-brand repair services with its own Euro Repar Car Service, which already has 350 stores across China. The group wants to have 4,000 stores in China and 10,000 around the world.

“Our multi-brand aftermarket strategy, one of the pillars of the Push to Pass strategic plan, aims to meet the needs of all after-sales customers around the world, regardless of their purchasing power and the make or age of their vehicle,” said Christophe Musy, Senior Vice President, PSA Aftermarket. “China will soon be the world’s biggest aftersales market, and we have set ourselves very high ambitions there, which is why we’re already securing strong market positions.”