Tenneco Spin-Off to be Called DRiV Incorporated

Feb. 14, 2019

DRiV Incorporated is the name of the future publicly traded aftermarket and ride performance company that will launch in the second half of this year, following Tenneco Inc.’s separation into two independent companies, Tenneco has announced.

DRiV will serve as one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket suppliers and one of the largest global original equipment (OE) ride performance and braking suppliers to aftermarket, light vehicle, and commercial vehicle customers, the company says. DRiV will be headquartered in the greater Chicago area. “It is a landmark day, now that we are able to announce the future company’s name and identity,” says Brian Kesseler, co-CEO, Tenneco, and future chairman and CEO of DRiV.

“DRiV will be a unique new business, a more than $6 billion start-up, built from the combined strengths of Tenneco, Federal-Mogul and Öhlins - laser-focused on innovation, performance, brand development and customer service. Our global scale, our stable of well-respected and enduring aftermarket brands and our longtime partnerships with the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers give us a significant competitive advantage. We are strategically positioned to capitalize on secular trends such as the expansion of vehicles in operation globally, as well as growth in intelligent suspension, new mobility models and the evolution of autonomous driving.” 

“The DRiV name is emblematic of what the new company expects to be – a global leader in the aftermarket and original equipment businesses, driving advancements that help people get the most out of every vehicle, every ride, every race, and every journey,” the company says. “The black, red and silver logo is connected to a rich heritage of performance. The overall design is confident with a circular shape that evokes a tachometer, representing speed, strength, and pushing boundaries. The uniquely styled letters that form the company name are clean, dynamic, and forward-leaning. In the logo design, the DRiV name incorporates a special character for the ‘I’ that has multiple meanings. It can be read as a letter ‘I’ which also represents integrity, innovation and insight. And it can also be read as the number ‘1,’ which implies ‘our one team.’”

“The DRiV name and logo is distinctive, standing out from the competition in both the original equipment and aftermarket spaces,” says Scott Usitalo, the company’s chief marketing officer. “It personifies the idea that there’s a driving force behind anything in motion. Our mission is to be a driving force that moves people – offering them enhanced ride experiences through differentiated brands, products and technologies.  DRiV is an active name that inspires energy and movement, and signals what we intend to provide to our customers – superior driving advancements.” 

Aftermarket Business - Motorparts

DRiV’s aftermarket business, which will be known as “Motorparts,” will develop, manufacture and distribute a broad portfolio of products in the global vehicle aftermarket. Through the acquisition of Federal-Mogul in 2018, the company has built an industry-leading brand portfolio that positions it to become one of the largest global suppliers of replacement parts to the global aftermarket. Its stable of brands includes Monroe, Champion, Öhlins, Moog, Walker, Fel-Pro, Wagner, Ferodo, Rancho, Thrush, National, Sealed Power, Axios and others.

Original Equipment Business – Ride Performance

The original equipment business, known as “Ride Performance,” is one of the world’s largest ride performance businesses, developing, manufacturing and supplying leading global original equipment manufacturers with shock absorbers, struts, NVH performance materials and brake friction, Tenneco says.

Following the acquisition of Federal-Mogul in October 2018, Tenneco’s separation into two independent, publicly traded companies is expected to be complete in the second half of 2019.  After the spin-off, the remaining Tenneco businesses will focus on powertrain systems technology and will retain the Tenneco name.