SKF South Africa’s appointment of Torre Parts and Components (Pty) Ltd as the official Automotive Distributor for South and Southern Africa follows the recent acquisition by Torre Parts and Components of Top Class Automotive (Pty) Ltd.

“SKF pledges continued support of both Top Class Automotive as well as its new shareholder, Torre Parts and Components,” confirms SKF’s Gary Czapski, Manager – Automotive / Agriculture (VSM) Southern Africa. “We see this new association as a great opportunity to extend our reach into target markets and to further improve the support and service levels currently provided to customers.”

“The demand for our extensive range of quality products at workshop and end- user level has grown significantly,” continues Czapski. “Lack of brand commitment and continued focus on cheaper more inferior products by many automotive outlets has restricted the availability of the SKF brand. The association with and commitment given by Torre will assist us in achieving an improved level of service and availability in these areas.”

SKF’s product portfolio for the automotive aftermarket includes wheel end, engine, drivetrain and suspension components which are complemented by a range of special tooling and lubrication products.

Kevin Rogers, Managing Director Torre Parts and Components, says “The acquisition of Top Class Automotive with its premium basket of brands, namely SKF, Permatex, DJ and FTE, not only continues to enhance our strategic growth in the Automotive Aftermarket sector but expands Torres product range and provides further reach into the Commercial and Off-Highway markets, which are seen as strategic growth nodes for the Torre group.”

“We are very excited about the opportunities that this will bring to our business and we look forward to continuing to develop the business of Top Class Automotive, SKF, Permatex, DJ and FTE Automotive. We will ensure that we keep you completely informed of any changes or improvements that are being made, and assure you that throughout the process our customers will continue to always be put first. We look forward to a new and exciting era for Top Class Automotive as a Part of Torre Parts and Components and its key Brand Principles,” concludes Rogers.

The transaction to acquire 100% of the share capital of Top Class Automotive was concluded on 16 May 2017. For the next few months Top Class Automotive (Pty) Ltd will continue to trade and operate unchanged under the control of Torre Parts and Components, with all their details remaining exactly the same during this period.

For further information, please contact: Samantha Joubert, Marketing Communications Coordinator Tel: +27 11 821 3602 Fax: 086 681 4342 Samantha.joubert@skf.com