In a world increasingly driven by environmental awareness and circular economy principles, Portugal has seen the rise of several businesses that combine economic growth with sustainability. Among them, one company has become a benchmark in the field of vehicle dismantling and the reuse of automotive components: SVP Auto. With nearly four decades of experience, this Coimbra-based company is today a national reference in the second-hand car parts market and an example of success in the environmental management of end-of-life vehicles.
Founded in 1987, SVP Auto — officially named Sociedade de Venda de Peças, Lda — began its operations in the heart of Portugal, following a business model first developed by its founding partners in France two years earlier. From the outset, the company focused on the commercialisation of used parts for light vehicles, aiming to provide affordable and reliable solutions to consumers and mechanics alike.
Over the years, this initial mission has evolved into a much broader and more ambitious enterprise. Today, SVP Auto operates from two strategically located warehouses, in Coimbra and Nogueira da Regedoura, supplying both the national market and professional partners with a comprehensive range of automotive parts and services. But beyond business success, the company has taken a firm stance on one of the most pressing issues of our time: environmental responsibility.
From spare parts to environmental stewardship
In the automotive sector, the dismantling of vehicles and the reuse of parts are far more than just cost-saving measures. They play a critical role in reducing environmental impact and avoiding unnecessary waste. Every year, thousands of vehicles reach the end of their operational life in Portugal. Without proper disposal and part recovery systems, these vehicles can pose serious environmental threats, from hazardous fluids leaking into the ground to the irresponsible abandonment of recyclable materials.
This is where companies like SVP Auto make a difference. Recognised for its environmental commitment, SVP Auto has become a certified centre for the dismantling of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). The process, which is meticulously regulated under both national and European legislation, involves the collection, depollution, dismantling, and sorting of vehicle parts for either reuse or recycling.
SVP Auto is also a certified operator for the management of used vehicle batteries — a growing concern in the age of hybrid and electric vehicles. The company is part of the Valorcar network, the Portuguese entity responsible for overseeing the proper treatment and disposal of ELVs and battery waste.
This recognition places SVP Auto at the forefront of environmental best practices in the automotive sector, ensuring that vehicles are not just taken off the road, but processed responsibly, safely, and with an eye toward future sustainability.
The power of second-hand parts
While environmental responsibility is central to SVP Auto’s mission, it remains true to its roots as a top provider of second-hand car parts in Portugal. With decades of accumulated experience and a deep understanding of the market, the company offers a wide selection of components from a variety of vehicle makes and models — all inspected and ready for resale.
The second-hand car parts market has grown substantially in recent years, driven by a combination of consumer demand, rising new part prices, and growing awareness of the need to reduce industrial waste. Buying a used part is not only more economical, but also an active contribution to a more sustainable world.
Each part that is reused means fewer raw materials extracted, less energy consumed in manufacturing, and fewer emissions released into the atmosphere. In short, second-hand parts are a practical, responsible, and increasingly preferred alternative — and SVP Auto is leading this shift in Portugal.
Beyond individual consumers, SVP Auto also supplies garages, car dealerships, and repair shops across the country, proving itself as a trusted partner in the automotive after-sales and service industry.
Expansion and diversification
SVP Auto’s success is also due to its ability to grow and diversify its offerings. Over time, the company has added several new areas of activity to its portfolio, ensuring that it remains competitive and relevant in a fast-changing market.
These include:
- Sales of new parts: Complementing its strong second-hand portfolio, SVP Auto also offers brand-new components to meet market needs.
- Mechanical workshops: The creation of repair and maintenance services ensures added convenience for clients, as well as professional installation of the parts sold.
- Sale of salvaged vehicles: Offering vehicles that, while declared salvage, still have valuable components or restoration potential.
This comprehensive approach means that SVP Auto can meet the diverse needs of both private customers and professional clients, delivering not just products, but complete automotive solutions.
Trusted expertise, local and global
One of the greatest strengths of SVP Auto is the vast expertise it has built over the years — both nationally and internationally. Having originated from a Franco-Portuguese business strategy, the company maintains a broad outlook and a strong understanding of the needs of diverse markets.
Its presence in two locations — Coimbra and Nogueira da Regedoura — allows it to serve central and northern Portugal with agility, offering fast service and direct contact with customers. At the same time, SVP Auto continues to cultivate relationships with industry partners, ensuring a consistent supply of quality parts and materials.
This solid infrastructure, combined with a customer-focused approach, has earned the company an excellent reputation in the automotive aftermarket industry.
The environmental case for second-hand parts
Reusing car parts is not just good business — it’s good for the planet. The automotive industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors in the world. Every new part manufactured requires raw materials, energy, transportation, and packaging — all of which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion.
According to studies by the European Commission, reusing vehicle parts can reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 80% compared to producing the same part from scratch. When companies like SVP Auto recover, test, and resell parts, they are directly contributing to this reduction.
Moreover, when entire vehicles are processed according to environmental standards, hazardous materials are properly handled, and recyclable components are reintroduced into production cycles — from metals and plastics to electronic systems and batteries.
For consumers, the environmental impact of choosing second-hand parts may be invisible — but it is significant. Every time a customer buys from SVP Auto, they are helping to extend the life cycle of automotive components and reduce demand for new production.
A reference in the market
Today, SVP Auto is much more than a scrapyard — it is a modern and responsible automotive recycling centre, a reliable parts distributor, and a key player in the Portuguese environmental landscape.
Its leadership in the second-hand car parts sector is a reflection of both strategic vision and an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. With a strong foundation, experienced team, and continued investment in innovation, SVP Auto is well-positioned to lead the industry into a greener and more efficient future.
As Portugal — and Europe — continues to push for a circular economy and greener transport solutions, companies like SVP Auto will be essential allies. Their work proves that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand — and that the scrapyard business, far from being obsolete, is more relevant than ever.
