International meeting of distributors and suppliers

16 stycznia 2024

Around 230 members and suppliers of the ATR Purchasing Group met at the traditional event in Berlin. Inter Cars representatives were also among them.

ATR is one of the leading purchasing groups in the independent automotive parts market worldwide. Thanks to cooperation within the organisation, its members gain a better position in international negotiations with suppliers of parts. However, this is not the only purpose of the group's existence. Being part of it also allows for the exchange of experience, know-how and more convenient cooperation with other international organisations, research institutes or governmental bodies. The international meeting in Berlin is just one example of the group's activities.

The ATR International Forum was held in a business speed-dating format. The organisers provided a convenient platform for group members and suppliers to hold face-to-face discussions. The event took place in Berlin, at the ESTREL Hotel, where 43 meeting booths were prepared for the forum guests.

During the approximately 700 talks held, their participants had the opportunity to strengthen existing business relationships and establish new ones, as well as identify further potential points of cooperation. In addition to formal meetings, forum guests were able to take advantage of breaks for spontaneous discussions and an informal evening part with a gala dinner.

Personal discussions are indispensable

The ATR purchasing group forum is unique in its kind. Unlike traditional trade fairs or conferences, in our case the priority is on active, personal contact between stakeholders and suppliers. Personal meetings have always been the base for effective communication and cooperation. They create trust, foster creativity and strengthen relationships in a way that virtual interactions simply cannot reflect. These meetings offer a level of connection that exceeds digital boundaries and builds trust that is often difficult to achieve in a virtual environment

explains Warren Espinoza, chairman of the board of ATR International AG

The group's supplier awards presented during the forum were new this year. ATR honoured its partners in three categories. Bosch was awarded the "Excellence in Logistics" and "Excellence in Innovation" awards, while Schaeffler received the "Excellence in Marketing" award. The additional award - "Supplier of the Year" - went to Elring Klinger.

Inter Cars at the forum and in the ATR structures

Present at the Berlin meeting were:

· Inter Cars Vice President Krzysztof Soszyński,

· Inter Cars Commercial Director Tomasz Białach.,

· Supplier Co-operation Manager Artur Charczuk,

· Inter Cars Sales Director Sławomir Rybarczyk.

The ATR Group was founded in 1967 by five leading trading companies of the independent automotive parts market in Germany. In turn, the international purchasing group based in Stuttgart was founded in 1999 and is a continuation of this idea, responding to the changing social and market structures in Europe. Inter Cars is an important member of the organisation and its representatives are in many of the organisation's governing bodies. A few months ago, Krzysztof Soszyński was appointed to the ATR Supervisory Board.