Benchmark for Quality and Innovation
Interview with Damien Gabel, Managing Director of Litens Aftermarket GmbH
Litens Aftermarket GmbH has established itself as a leader in innovation in the spare parts market, continually setting new standards in the automotive industry. As part of the Litens Automotive Partnership, the company offers high-quality OEM-standard spare parts that meet both the requirements of the automotive industry and the needs of workshops and vehicle owners – for sustainable and reliable vehicle maintenance.
For the automotive industry, Litens Aftermarket GmbH is more than just a supplier of spare parts – it is a pioneer that continually sets new standards. From developing the world's first automatic belt tensioner for the Ford Mustang in the 1980s to innovative technologies like the Overrunning Alternator Decoupler (OAD), Litens has created products that are now global standards. "Our innovations often set the benchmark by which others measure themselves," confirms Damien Gabel, Managing Director of Litens Aftermarket GmbH.
Global Strength, Local Expertise
The roots of the company date back to 1979, when the parent company Litens Automotive Partnership was founded in Toronto. With an annual revenue of over 1 billion US dollars and 2,000 employees worldwide, Litens is among the leading companies in the automotive industry.
The Aftermarket division of Litens, established in 1998, contributes an increasingly significant share of the company's revenue, supported by a dedicated team of 50 professionals. Production takes place in state-of-the-art plants in Germany, Canada, Brazil, China, India, and Romania. From there, Litens supplies both original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with genuine parts – always in proven OEM quality.
High Quality Standards
Litens Aftermarket specializes in the production of genuine parts. These are also delivered to independent workshops in the same quality. "Our goal is to supply spare parts of the same quality as those supplied to automakers," says Damien Gabel. "Our products meet the highest standards of reliability, safety, and durability."
Especially for older vehicles, the high-quality spare parts from Litens offer an ideal solution, as their robust construction significantly extends the life cycle of a vehicle and thus make an important contribution to sustainable vehicle use.
Success Through Innovation
Litens' products such as the timing belt tensioner, the patented OAD technology, and the Hybrid Drive Tensioner have not only revolutionized existing standards, but have consistently set new ones. The company is characterized by continuous innovation and strong research and development. "We regularly bring new solutions to market that shape the automotive industry. This dynamism makes working at Litens so exciting and varied," explains Damien Gabel, who has been with the company for nearly 30 years and was also involved in founding the aftermarket division.
Clear Competitive Advantages
In comparison to large corporations, Litens scores with flat hierarchies and an open corporate culture.
"Short decision-making paths and openness to new ideas are part of our DNA. This makes us flexible and strong in innovation," emphasizes the managing director. The influence of Canadian leadership culture is evident in the inclusive and international orientation of the company.
Challenges in Focus
The transformation of the automotive industry poses significant challenges to manufacturers and suppliers. While electromobility and new technologies shape the market, the demand in the aftermarket remains largely stable. "The majority of our revenue comes from parts for internal combustion engines – and this demand will continue for a long time," says Damien Gabel. Nonetheless, Litens is investing in the development of sustainable technologies and in diversifying its portfolio. A key milestone was the acquisition of the water pump manufacturer Dolz, which allowed Litens to gain additional market shares in the spare parts business and a wider product range.
Potential in the Market
Although Litens Aftermarket is not immediately affected by electrification, the company is closely monitoring developments. The transition to electric vehicles requires an adaptation of technologies and supply chains. "The automotive industry is faced with the question of which technologies to invest in. Until these are defined, the situation remains challenging," explains Damien Gabel. Especially in Germany and Italy, where electric vehicles are slower to gain acceptance, Litens still sees potential for conventional spare parts.
Stable Future
The aftermarket provides important stability in times of change. Litens continuously invests in digitization and utilizes trade fairs as well as digital platforms to strengthen its presence.
Additionally, direct collaboration with wholesalers and workshops enables better knowledge transfer and a stronger positioning in global competition. Litens Aftermarket stands for a unique combination of innovation, quality, and global presence. The company has managed to continually set standards through ongoing research and development while simultaneously responding flexibly to the changing needs of the market.
With a clear focus on the future and a deeply rooted commitment to quality, Litens Aftermarket is a reliable partner for the automotive industry, workshops, and consumers. Under the leadership of Damien Gabel, the company remains a central player in the industry—always aiming to set the next standard.