U.P.E.M.
U.P.E.M. S.p.A., founded in 1974 in Modena, Italy, distributes automotive spare parts, professional workshop equipment, and digital/software services (ProMEK, G-CAT, INofficina.it) to independent auto repair workshops across Italy as a member of GROUPAUTO Italia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1974
- HeadquartersModena, Italy
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What U.P.E.M. does
U.P.E.M. S.p.A. is an Italian distributor of automotive spare parts, workshop equipment, and digital services, headquartered in Modena and operating since 1974 as a member of GROUPAUTO Italia, one of the country's principal independent aftermarket distribution networks (in operation for over 50 years). The company serves professional auto repair workshops (officine) — small and medium-sized businesses — with a one-stop-shop portfolio spanning more than 20 spare parts categories (filtration, braking, steering, suspension, transmission, engine management, cooling, climate control, lighting, exhaust, ignition, sensors, body and glass, oils and chemicals, batteries) sourced from internationally recognized OEM-quality brands (Bosch, Valeo, TRW, Denso, KYB, SKF, Brembo, Dayco, Schaeffler, Magneti Marelli, and others).
Complementing parts distribution, U.P.E.M. sells professional workshop equipment — diagnostic platforms (Autel MaxiSYS Ultra S2, ZF MultiScan), A/C charging stations (Geatek KLIMA KRC and KLEAN AC, EVOLVE EVOTEC 2), wheel balancers (Cormach MEC 822, Touch Mec 900 ESD), battery chargers (GYS 4x10A), and lifting/induction/compressor tools — and provides recurring-revenue digital services including ProMEK workshop management software, the G-CAT multi-warehouse e-commerce catalog (powered by HaynesPro data), the INofficina.it digitalization program, access to multiple technical databases (ATELIO DATA, AUTODATA, HAYNESPRO, HELLA GUTMANN), and SERMI certification support.
U.P.E.M.'s business model is B2B, generating revenue primarily through hardware sales (parts and equipment) supplemented by subscription/recurring fees for digital tools, training services under the ED-UPEM brand, and ancillary services such as same-day delivery, equipment rental, returns/warranty processing, and APPago installment payment solutions. Distribution runs through its own e-commerce platform (ecom.upem.it), dedicated commercial consultants providing personalized quotes, the GROUPAUTO Italia network's shared infrastructure, and same-day delivery services to workshops in the Modena region and across Italy. Operational digitization is supported by the LOGITEC ERP and barcode/QR systems, partially funded by the European Union via Regione Emilia-Romagna.
U.P.E.M. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- U.P.E.M.
- Legal name
- U.P.E.M. S.p.A.
- Website
- https://upem.it
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1974
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- U.P.E.M. S.p.A., founded in 1974 in Modena, Italy, distributes automotive spare parts, professional workshop equipment, and digital/software services (ProMEK, G-CAT, INofficina.it) to independent auto repair workshops across Italy as a member of GROUPAUTO Italia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
U.P.E.M. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Aftermarket Distribution
- SIC
- Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Automotive Parts, Tires & Workshop Supplies Marketplaces (CRAFAHAD)
Keywords
Where U.P.E.M. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Modena
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
U.P.E.M. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Spare Parts Distribution: U.P.E.M.'s primary revenue stream is the wholesale distribution of automotive spare parts for cars, trucks, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment. They distribute parts across multiple categories including filtration, braking, steering, suspension, transmission, engine management, cooling, air conditioning, lighting, and more, representing over 50 product lines from international OEM and aftermarket manufacturers.
- Workshop Equipment Sales: Sale of professional workshop equipment including diagnostic tools, tire changers, wheel balancers, AC service stations, lifts, battery chargers, and specialized tools from brands such as Autel, ZF, Cormach, Geatek, EVOLVE, and GYS.
- Training Services: Professional training courses for auto repair technicians including certification programs (e.g., SERMI certification), technical training on equipment usage, and advanced specialization courses under the ED-UPEM brand.
- Digital Services and Software: Subscription and access fees for digital databases (ATELIO DATA, AUTODATA, HAYNESPRO, HELLA GUTMANN, GEATEK), workshop management software (ProMEK), and the INofficina.it digitalization program.
- Additional Services: Rental services (noleggio), returns and warranty processing, and installment payment solutions (APPago) that may generate service fees.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
U.P.E.M. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
U.P.E.M. S.p.A. is a Modena-based wholesale distributor of automotive spare parts and professional workshop equipment, serving auto repair workshops across Italy. Founded in 1974 and a member of the GROUPAUTO Italia network, the company distributes over 50 product lines spanning filtration, braking, steering, suspension, transmission, engine management, cooling, air conditioning, lighting, and electronics from international OEM-quality brands, alongside diagnostic tools, A/C service stations, wheel balancers, and lifts. The offering is complemented by digital services including ProMEK workshop management software, the G-CAT online parts catalog, the INofficina.it digitalization program, technical databases, and SERMI certification support.
Product overview
U.P.E.M. is a Modena-based automotive parts distributor and workshop equipment provider, serving as a member of GROUPAUTO Italia. Its offering is a broad portfolio of three interconnected pillars: (1) Spare Parts — covering 20+ categories including filtration, engine oils and additives, lighting, batteries, climate control, wiper systems, braking, suspension, steering, transmission, injection, exhaust, ignition, sensors, cooling, intake systems, body/glass, and Hi-Fi accessories, sourced from internationally recognized OEM-quality brands such as Bosch, Valeo, TRW, Denso, KYB, SKF, Dayco, and Sachs. (2) Workshop Equipment — professional tools and machines including Autel MaxiSYS Ultra S2 and ZF MultiScan diagnostic platforms, Geatek KLIMA KRC and EVOLVE EVOTEC 2 A/C charging stations, Cormach wheel balancers, GYS multi-charging stations, EV chargers, lifts, compressors, and induction equipment. (3) Digital Services & Software — ProMEK garage management software (the most widely used in Italy, with modules for appointments, inventory, invoicing, and license plate recognition), the INofficina.it digitalization program (web presence, digital agenda, online quotes), G-CAT online parts e-commerce catalog, technical databases (ATELIO DATA, AUTODATA, HAYNESPRO, HELLA GUTMANN), and SERMI certification support. Training services (ED-UPEM) and dedicated commercial consultants complete the offering.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Spare Parts Distribution (Auto, Truck, Agri, Earthmoving) Wholesale distribution of automotive spare parts for cars, trucks, agricultural vehicles, and earthmoving equipment across 50+ product categories including filtration, braking, suspension, steering, engine components, climate control, lighting, transmission, injection, exhaust, and more, sourced from major OEM-quality brands such as Bosch, Valeo, TRW, Denso, KYB, SKF, Dayco, and Sachs.
- Autel MaxiSYS Ultra S2 Diagnostic Tool Professional multi-brand automotive diagnostic instrument with 13.7-inch touchscreen, AI-powered fault identification and repair suggestions, voice assistant, VCMI2 communication module (J2534, oscilloscope, multimeter, CAN tester), dual Wi-Fi 6, and ADAS compatibility, for use by professional auto repair workshops.
- Geatek KLIMA KRC A/C Charging Station Fully automatic air conditioning service station for R134a or R1234yf refrigerants with guided vehicle selection, automatic oil charge/discharge, 5g refrigerant weighing precision, USB database updates, and OIL DECONTAMINATION function for hybrid and electric vehicles.
- GYS 4x10A Multi-Charging Station Multi-battery charger with 4 independent 10A outputs for simultaneous charging of up to 4 batteries, supporting lead-acid (standard/AGM/Gel) and lithium (LiFePO4) at 6V or 12V, managed by intelligent microprocessor with automatic charging curve and repair mode.
- EVOLVE EVOTEC 2 A/C Charging Station Next-generation R1234yf A/C charging station for recovery, recycling, and recharge of refrigerants in automotive air conditioning systems, with fully automatic or manual operation, high-efficiency condenser, hermetic compressor, electronic precision scale, and adaptive management system.
- ZF MultiScan Diagnostic Platform Multi-brand diagnostic platform from ZF [pro]Diagnostics with modular structure, guided diagnostic workflows, ADAS support, and optional 1 or 3-year subscriptions with Haynes Pro technical database bundles.
- Cormach MEC 822VDLL Sonar Wheel Balancer Professional electronic wheel balancer with Sonar automatic measurement of wheel distance and rim diameter, pneumatic scissor lift up to 75kg, multiple balancing programs, and intuitive operator interface for rapid and accurate wheel balancing.
- Cormach Touch Mec 900 ESD Wheel Balancer Electronic touchscreen wheel balancer with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for dynamic balancing of wheels, shafts, and rotating components, with automatic diagnosis function and energy-efficient operation.
- Geatek KLEAN AC Climate Station Geatek KLEAN AC climate station for automotive air conditioning maintenance.
- ProMEK Garage Management Software Workshop management software created by Groupauto Italia covering customer and vehicle records, appointment scheduling, automated service reminders (oil changes, inspections, seasonal tires), email and SMS marketing, document archiving (quotes, invoices, DDT), warehouse inventory, and accounting. Features license plate recognition via smartphone camera, integration with INofficina.it Digital Agenda module, and a dedicated assistance center with tele-assistance.
- INofficina.it Workshop Digitalization Program Groupauto Italia digitalization program providing independent workshops with a custom web platform, online presence management, targeted communication strategies, staff training, and optional modules including Digital Agenda (online appointment booking), Online Quote Builder, and ProMEK integration.
- G-CAT Online Parts Catalog Multi-warehouse e-commerce platform created by Groupauto enabling authorized repair shops to search, view technical specifications, diagrams, photographs, and pricing for original and aftermarket parts, and purchase them directly. Uses HaynesPro-verified OEM data, accessible by vehicle registration, chassis number, or direct part search across any device.
- Technical Database Services (ATELIO DATA, AUTODATA, HAYNESPRO, HELLA GUTMANN, GEATEK) Subscription-based access to specialized technical databases including ATELIO DATA, AUTODATA, HAYNESPRO, HELLA GUTMANN, and GEATEK providing repair methods, technical specifications, wiring diagrams, and service procedures for auto repair workshops.
- SERMI Certification Support U.P.E.M. supports workshops in obtaining the SERMI (Security Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information) certification required since February 1, 2025 for accessing vehicle security-related technical information (key coding, anti-theft systems, immobilizers, ECUs, ADAS), offering consulting, operational assistance, and regulatory updates through DEKRA and GROUPAUTO.
- ED-UPEM Technical Training Programs Professional training courses for auto repair technicians under the ED-UPEM brand, including certification programs (e.g., SERMI), technical training on equipment usage, and advanced specialization courses delivered through U.P.E.M.'s training division.
Companies that use U.P.E.M.
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
U.P.E.M. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability5 records
Feature4 records
U.P.E.M. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
37 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- GROUPAUTO ItaliacoreU.P.E.M. is a member of GROUPAUTO Italia, one of Italy's principal spare parts distribution networks present in Italy for over 50 years. This partnership provides access to shared services including the G-CAT online catalog, ProMEK workshop management software, INofficina.it digitalization program, and the broader network's collective purchasing power and brand credibility.
- HaynesProcoreHaynesPro provides verified technical data and repair information sourced from OEM manufacturers, powering the G-CAT catalog used by U.P.E.M. and GROUPAUTO Italia member companies for parts identification and technical specifications.
- ProMEK / Promek EvolutioncoreWorkshop management software developed by GROUPAUTO Italia, offered to workshops through U.P.E.M. as part of the digital services portfolio. Includes modules for appointments, customer records, inventory, invoicing, and integration with the INofficina.it digitalization program.
- INofficina.itcoreDigitalization program created by GROUPAUTO Italia in collaboration with industry experts, dedicated exclusively to auto repair workshops. U.P.E.M. offers this program to their workshop clients to help them improve online presence, organize work, and enhance customer experience through customizable web platforms and additional modules.
- GEATEKminorU.P.E.M. distributes GEATEK products including Klima KRC air conditioning service stations and products for automatic transmission maintenance (fluids, detergents, additives). GEATEK is an Italian company from Parma specializing in automotive equipment and chemical products.
- AutelminorU.P.E.M. distributes Autel diagnostic tools including the MaxiSYS Ultra S2, a professional multi-brand diagnostic device for automotive repair shops.
- ZF Aftermarket (proDiagnostics)minorU.P.E.M. distributes ZF MultiScan diagnostic platform developed by ZF [pro]Diagnostics, a multi-brand diagnostic solution for independent workshops, tire centers, and express service operations.
- GYSminorU.P.E.M. distributes GYS products including multi-charge stations (4x10A), battery chargers, and welding equipment for professional workshop use.
- CormachminorU.P.E.M. distributes Cormach wheel balancers including the MEC 822 Touch VDLL-P Sonar with pneumatic lifter and the Touch Mec 900 ESD electronic balancer with electrostatic discharge protection.
- EVOLVEminorU.P.E.M. distributes EVOLVE products including the EVOTEC 2, a next-generation R1234yf air conditioning service station for recovery, recycling, and charging of refrigerants in automotive climate control systems.
- DensominorU.P.E.M. distributes Denso products including air conditioning components, spark plugs, ignition coils, and Denso/CTR dual air conditioning recharge stations.
- DaycominorU.P.E.M. distributes Dayco products including timing belts, belt kits with water pumps, and tensioners. Dayco offers 2-year warranty on their full product range with Long Life +1 extension program for qualified workshops.
- TRW AutomotiveminorU.P.E.M. distributes TRW products across multiple categories including braking systems, steering components, suspension parts, and tie rod ends, all manufactured to OE quality standards.
- ValeominorU.P.E.M. distributes Valeo products across numerous categories including braking, cooling, electrical systems, wiper systems, lighting, body parts, and more, representing one of the largest automotive suppliers globally.
- BoschminorU.P.E.M. distributes Bosch automotive products including fuel injection systems, sensors, ignition components, wiper systems, and filtration products from the global technology and services leader.
- Magneti MarelliminorU.P.E.M. distributes Magneti Marelli products including ignition systems, fuel injection, sensors, switches, air conditioning components, body parts, lighting, and electronics.
- Schaeffler (LuK, INA, FAG)minorU.P.E.M. distributes Schaeffler Group products including LuK clutch kits (RepSet), INA timing drive systems, and FAG bearings for various automotive applications.
- SKFminorU.P.E.M. distributes SKF products including bearings, seals, and power transmission components. SKF has over 100 years of experience as a global supplier to the automotive industry.
- KYBminorU.P.E.M. distributes KYB suspension products including shock absorbers, suspension modules, coil springs, and mounting kits, with KYB being one of the largest OE shock absorber suppliers globally.
- MANN-FILTERminorU.P.E.M. distributes MANN-FILTER filtration products with over 70 years of experience and more than 6,800 OE-quality filters covering diverse filtration needs for vehicles.
- MAHLEminorU.P.E.M. distributes MAHLE products including filters, cooling system components, air conditioning parts, and engine components, with MAHLE being a leading global automotive supplier.
- UFI FiltersminorU.P.E.M. distributes UFI Filters products with the company being a global leader in filtration since 1971, serving major automotive manufacturers and Formula 1 teams.
- LIQUI MOLYminorU.P.E.M. distributes LIQUI MOLY products including engine oils, transmission fluids, additives, and maintenance chemicals. LIQUI MOLY holds 'Top Brand' and 'Best Brand' recognitions in Germany.
- VARTA (Clarios)minorU.P.E.M. distributes VARTA batteries with the brand being the OE choice for major automotive manufacturers and offering solutions for Start-Stop systems and high electrical demand vehicles.
- BrembominorU.P.E.M. distributes Brembo braking products including discs, pads, and calipers, with Brembo being a world leader in brake systems for automotive and motorbike applications.
- NGK/NTKminorU.P.E.M. distributes NGK spark plugs, glow plugs, and oxygen sensors with the Japanese manufacturer being a world leader in ignition and sensor technology.
- SachsminorU.P.E.M. distributes ZF Sachs products including shock absorbers and clutches, with Sachs being OE supplier to major automotive manufacturers worldwide.
- FIAMMminorU.P.E.M. distributes FIAMM batteries for automotive and industrial applications, with FIAMM being an OE supplier to prestigious manufacturers including Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, and others.
- SIDATminorU.P.E.M. distributes SIDAT products including cooling system components, ignition parts, fuel injection, and air conditioning, with SIDAT being an established Italian automotive components company founded in 1990.
- Hella (incl. Hella Pagid, Hella Hengst)minorU.P.E.M. distributes Hella products including lighting systems, wiper blades, wash pumps, and sensors, with Hella being a leading independent aftermarket supplier. Also distributes Hella Pagid brake products and Hella Hengst filtration.
- Blue PrintminorU.P.E.M. distributes Blue Print products including filters, braking components, steering, suspension, and engine parts, with the brand specializing in Asian vehicle applications.
- UnigomminorU.P.E.M. distributes Unigom products including rubber and rubber-metal components for suspension, braking, and steering, with the Italian company being an OE supplier to major automotive manufacturers.
- Philips Automotive LightingminorU.P.E.M. distributes Philips automotive lighting products including LED, Xenon, and halogen bulbs, with Philips being a leading lighting manufacturer for over 100 years serving 100+ automotive OEMs.
- Tecnocar (Sogefi)minorU.P.E.M. distributes Tecnocar filtration products from Sogefi Group, a world leader in original equipment filtration with over 40 years of experience.
- BorgWarnerminorU.P.E.M. distributes BorgWarner products including EGR systems and turbochargers, with BorgWarner being a leading automotive technology company.
- Garrett (ContiTech)minorU.P.E.M. distributes Garrett turbochargers from the company that pioneered turbochargers in 1936 and continues as a leading global supplier.
- Delphi Technologies (now part of Borg Hamilton)minorU.P.E.M. distributes Delphi Technologies products including fuel injection systems, braking components, steering, and suspension parts, with Delphi being an OE-quality aftermarket supplier.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
U.P.E.M. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rhiag Group: Rhiag is one of Italy's largest independent automotive parts distributors serving workshops across the country, directly comparable to U.P.E.M.'s wholesale parts distribution model, multi-brand portfolio, and B2B workshop customer base.
- Cobo Group: Cobo is an Italian manufacturer and distributor of automotive electrical and electronic components (a U.P.E.M. partner brand), comparable in product overlap and Italian aftermarket focus.
- Metelli Group: Metelli Group is an Italian automotive aftermarket supplier and distributor of engine, braking, and drivetrain components, comparable in multi-brand aftermarket parts distribution to Italian workshops.
- Febi Bilstein: Febi Bilstein is a leading European aftermarket parts brand and distributor (a U.P.E.M. partner brand) supplying comparable spare parts categories — braking, steering, suspension, filtration — to the independent IAM channel.
- Euroricambi: Euroricambi is an Italian distributor of automotive spare parts (including transmission components), serving a similar B2B workshop customer base with comparable multi-brand sourcing.
Broad incumbents
- LKQ Corporation: LKQ is a global leader in automotive aftermarket parts distribution with strong European presence through Rhiag and other subsidiaries, competing in the same multi-brand parts distribution space as U.P.E.M.
- GROUPAUTO Italia: GROUPAUTO Italia is the nationwide distribution network of which U.P.E.M. is a member. It shares U.P.E.M.'s parts distribution focus but operates at a national scale with shared digital infrastructure (G-CAT, ProMEK, INofficina.it).
- Alliance Automotive Group: Alliance Automotive Group is a major European automotive aftermarket parts distributor with operations in Italy, comparable in product breadth, multi-brand sourcing, and B2B workshop service model.
- Würth Italia: Würth is a major European supplier of workshop consumables, tools, and automotive parts with a significant Italian operation, offering comparable parts + workshop consumables distribution to professional workshops.
Regional players
- Bertolotti Spa: Bertolotti is an Italian regional automotive parts wholesaler, similar in scale and B2B workshop focus, operating as a comparable mid-market parts distributor in the Italian aftermarket.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
U.P.E.M. social profiles
Digital presenceU.P.E.M. compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
U.P.E.M. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
U.P.E.M. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
U.P.E.M. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
U.P.E.M. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about U.P.E.M.
What does U.P.E.M. do?
U.P.E.M. S.p.A. is a Modena-based wholesale distributor of automotive spare parts and professional workshop equipment, serving auto repair workshops across Italy. Founded in 1974 and a member of the GROUPAUTO Italia network, the company distributes over 50 product lines spanning filtration, braking, steering, suspension, transmission, engine management, cooling, air conditioning, lighting, and electronics from international OEM-quality brands, alongside diagnostic tools, A/C service stations, wheel balancers, and lifts. The offering is complemented by digital services including ProMEK workshop management software, the G-CAT online parts catalog, the INofficina.it digitalization program, technical databases, and SERMI certification support.
Is U.P.E.M. a public or private company?
U.P.E.M. is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was U.P.E.M. founded?
U.P.E.M. was founded in 1974. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is U.P.E.M. based?
U.P.E.M. is headquartered in Modena, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does U.P.E.M. make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Spare Parts Distribution is the primary driver. The others are workshop Equipment Sales, training Services, digital Services and Software and additional Services.
Who are U.P.E.M.'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rhiag Group, Cobo Group, Metelli Group, Febi Bilstein and Euroricambi. Broad incumbents are LKQ Corporation, GROUPAUTO Italia, Alliance Automotive Group and Würth Italia. Bertolotti Spa is listed as a regional player.
Does U.P.E.M. have an API?
No public API is recorded for U.P.E.M..
What industry is U.P.E.M. in?
U.P.E.M.'s product category is Automotive Aftermarket Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAFAHAD, Automotive Parts, Tires & Workshop Supplies Marketplaces. Its SIC code is 5013.