40 years of ALCAR – A success story
In 2024, the ALCAR Group, a leading provider of steel and alloy wheels, celebrates its 40th anniversary. Founded in early summer 1984 as “BBV Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H.” in Austria, the company has evolved into a Europe-wide corporation that encompasses not only the distribution but also the production of high-quality wheels. Here is a look back at the remarkable journey of this company.
The beginnings (1984-1988)
In 1984, ALCAR began its business activities under the name “BBV Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H.” The focus was on the distribution of steel wheels and their production on a contract basis at the then-company KROMAG in Hirtenberg, Austria. Four years later, in 1988, the company expanded by taking over activities of KROMAG AG, leading to the establishment of KROMAG Metallindustrie GmbH (today: ALCAR Wheels GmbH). Simultaneously, the portfolio was expanded to include the production and distribution of steel cabinets.
Building a European distribution network (1988-1999)
Between 1988 and 1994, ALCAR established a Europe-wide distribution network by acquiring distribution companies in Austria, Sweden, and Hungary. 1995 marked the acquisition of the light alloy wheel brand AEZ and the founding of the German ALCAR distribution company. Additionally, the wheel activities of the Swiss company E. Ambrosetti & Söhne AG were acquired, leading to the establishment of Ambrosetti Räder AG (today ALCAR Ruote SA). In the following years, the distribution network further expanded into the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Consolidation and expansion (2000-2010)
In 2002, ALCAR acquired a 50% stake in the light alloy wheel manufacturer Schmidt (today: ALCAR Leichtmetallräder Produktion GmbH) and 100% of the light alloy wheel brand DEZENT. A year later, the holding company and the national distribution companies appeared under the unified name ALCAR in the European market. In 2004, the distribution network was expanded to the Italian market, and in 2005, ALCAR opened a new manufacturing facility for alloy wheels in Neuenrade, Germany. In 2006, the stake in ALCAR Leichtmetallräder Produktion GmbH was increased to 100%.
Globalisation and diversification (2011-2020)
The globalisation of the ALCAR Group continued in 2011 with the acquisition of shares in ALCAR Wheelbase Romania s.r.l. and RC Sport ALCAR France S.a.r.l. In 2014, the distribution network was expanded to the Slovak market. At the same time, a new, fully automated high-bay warehouse with a capacity of over 550,000 wheels was opened in Balve, Germany. In 2014, the product portfolio was expanded to include tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), fitted units, wheel covers, and motor oils. In 2015, ALCAR Finland Oy was founded, and in 2016, the DBV GmbH in Würzburg, Germany, was acquired. Thus, ALCAR's core business encompasses international and national wholesale, the production of steel and alloy wheels, and the distribution of tyre pressure monitoring systems, tyres, and fitted units.
The ALCAR Group remains committed to its philosophy of securing and continuously expanding its market leadership in the European aftermarket for passenger car wheels through continuous innovation, adaptation to market demands, and strong customer orientation.
Latest developments (2020-2023)
In recent years, ALCAR has continued its expansion: In 2020, the company acquired a majority stake in Automax Szerviz Kft., including online tyre sales in Hungary. In 2023, ALCAR acquired 100% of the shares in ALCAR Erny AG in Switzerland, further consolidating its presence in Europe.
Conclusion
The history of the ALCAR Group is characterised by continuous growth, strategic acquisitions, and a constant expansion of the product portfolio. From its humble beginnings as a local distributor of steel wheels in Austria, ALCAR has developed into a significant player in the European aftermarket for steel and alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitoring sensors, tyres, and fitted units.
The companies of the group are distinguished by innovative design, state-of-the-art production technologies, and service-oriented logistics. The international presence of the ALCAR Group extends to over 29 companies in 16 European countries. In these countries, around 800 employees from the fields of development, production, and sales successfully operate with seven proprietary brands.
The company looks back proudly on 40 years of innovation, expansion, and success and will continue to explore new paths and shape the market in the future.
