Mobivia sells Norauto Argentina business to Stellantis

France’s Mobivia has sold its Norauto tyre, battery and automotive servicing network in Argentina to Stellantis. Announcing this transaction, which took place on 18 July, Mobivia says it is ceasing activities in South America in order to refocus and strengthen its performance in Europe.

At present Stellantis América del Sur holds a 90 per cent stake in Norauto Argentina; Mobivia will retain a minority shareholding for a period of one year to support Stellantis during a transitory phase. After the first year of operation, Stellantis will acquire all remaining shares.

Norauto Argentina is the only multi-brand vehicle servicing and equipment network in Argentina at present. The country’s first Norauto centre opened its doors in 1998 and the network has grown to 13 centres in the Buenos Aires region, including an online sales platform. At the time of changing hands, Norauto Argentina employed 360 people and served more than 40,000 customers a month.

“As part of the development of its strategic plan, Stellantis is expanding its participation in the mobility services segment,” says Paulo Solti, vice president of parts and services for Stellantis South America. “Thus, it reinforces its presence in the after-sales area and in the perspective of becoming capable of offering customer service in all its needs.”

“We are delighted that Stellantis is taking over the running of our car centres,” states Matthieu Foucart, general manager of Mobivia’s Driver Services Business. “It was important for a company like Norauto to ensure that our employees could continue to flourish in our automotive maintenance and equipment sector. With this agreement, we are also ensuring that motorists can continue to rely on the expertise of our 13 centres for the maintenance of their vehicles.”