In the dynamic landscape of the Italian aftermarket, Roberto Macirella stands out as one of the most respected and visionary figures in the spare parts distribution sector. A second-generation entrepreneur, President of the GRA Consortium and Vice President of FENCAR, Macirella leads a path of growth built on trust, collaboration, and a clear vision for the future.
His experience runs deep: «My name is Roberto Macirella, and my original company is GM AutoRicambi, founded in 1987. With this business, I’m part of the GRA Consortium, a historic consortium established in the late ’90s, which I now represent as President». The journey of the GIA Consortium took a major turn with its entry into FENCAR, marking a radical transformation: «We moved beyond the logic of being just a purchasing group and became a first-level distributor thanks to our own logistics platform».
According to Macirella, this transformation gained real momentum when FENCAR joined NOVA: «The real spark came when FENCAR entered NOVA. Vittorio Amura, who has known me since I was a child, believed in us and shared a vision that is now becoming reality».
One of the pillars of their success has been teamwork: «We made important investments. It’s not easy to bring so many people together. But I consider myself lucky: my partners and I share a common vision. We are business partners, yes—but above all, we’re friends». This cohesion allowed them to face many challenges, large and small, especially for smaller businesses: «Every step forward is a sacrifice. But success never comes by chance. It takes passion—but above all, a motivated team».
The growth of GM AutoRicambi, now counting 70 employees, speaks to a steady and value-driven evolution: «Everything we’ve built is thanks to the team. I thank my coworkers every day—they are essential». At the heart of it all, for Macirella, lies one core principle: service. «Our strength lies in service and availability. We never say no. Service and seriousness are our priorities».
Looking at the ongoing transformations in the industry, Macirella reflects on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence: «Today, everyone is talking about AI. These tools present incredible opportunities, but we must always remember to keep people at the center. Change can’t be stopped—but it must be managed responsibly».
Macirella compares the aftermarket world to «a bumpy road best tackled with a well-equipped off-road vehicle», emphasizing the need for the right tools but also the resilience and clarity to stay on course: «One step each day, with consistency and determination».
If FENCAR were a spare part, for Macirella it would be a turbocharger: «A booster for our operations, which enabled us to reach our current achievements». And if this story had a soundtrack? «Definitely The Show Must Go On by Queen—because you must always keep moving forward. And given the recognition NOVA received from Temot this year, We Are the Champions also feels fitting».
Finally, Macirella underscores the crucial role of networking within the consortium—a true driver of collective progress: «In our consortium, sharing is everything. If someone has an idea that works, they bring it to the table. That allows others to pursue that same path. It’s a foundational value that sets us apart and allows us to grow every day».
This interview paints an authentic portrait of a driven entrepreneur, able to combine business leadership with a collective vision. In a constantly evolving sector, the power of the network and the centrality of people remain, for Roberto Macirella, the most vital tools for overcoming any challenge.
