1st April 2026: Sukhpal Ahluwalia, Executive Chairman of GSF Car Parts, has been named ‘Man of the Year 2026’ by Nexus Automotive International, recognising an exceptional career spanning nearly five decades and a lasting impact on the global automotive aftermarket. 

The award, introduced for the first time this year, honours individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and influence across the sector. Ahluwalia was recognised by the judging panel for his pivotal role in reshaping the scale, structure and ambition of the modern aftermarket, as well as his continued contribution to its evolution. 

Arriving in Britain as a teenage refugee, Sukhpal took over a struggling car accessories shop in Willesden at 17 with a £5,000 loan. From that single site, he built Euro Car Parts into a market-leading business with more than 300 branches and 12,000 employees, pioneering ecommerce, same-day delivery and advanced logistics infrastructure. 

A landmark £80 million National Distribution Centre near Tamworth set new standards for the sector. In 2011, he sold the business to LKQ Corporation for nearly £300 million and later served as Executive Chairman across the UK, Ireland and India, helping drive revenues beyond £1.2 billion. 

In 2023, he returned to the frontline of the aftermarket with the acquisition of GSF Car Parts. Under his leadership, GSF has become the UK’s fastest-growing motor factor, opening more than 20 new branches and investing in a multi-million-pound Birmingham distribution centre set to create over 1,000 jobs. 

Alongside commercial growth, Sukhpal has championed skills and training through TechFest, a national trade event supporting independent garages with hands-on technical development and business insight. 

Across his career, he has created tens of thousands of jobs, invested hundreds of millions of pounds into UK infrastructure and driven innovation in logistics, sourcing and digital transformation. 

Commenting on the award, a NEXUS Awards spokesperson said: “On behalf of NEXUS, we extend our congratulations to Sukhpal. His achievements are a powerful reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the N! community forward. His leadership and vision continue to shape not only his own business, but the wider aftermarket landscape and we are confident this success story is far from over.” 

Responding to the recognition, Sukhpal Ahluwalia said: “It is a real honour to be named the first recipient of this award. Having spent my entire career in the aftermarket, this recognition from Nexus Automotive International, an organisation that represents the very best of our industry globally, means a great deal. This sector has always been driven by entrepreneurial spirit, strong partnerships and a shared ambition to keep moving forward. I’m proud to have played a part in that journey and remain as committed as ever to supporting its continued growth and evolution.” 

As he continues to lead GSF into its next phase of growth, Sukhpal’s legacy is firmly established as one of the most influential figures in the history of the UK automotive aftermarket. 

-ENDS- 

For more information please contact: Will Roberts – will.roberts@gsfgroup.com