Leading off our recap of the most popular AMN reports of the week is the AMN Executive Interview with Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance President and CEO John Washbish. In the interview, the life-long industry veteran talks about his new five-point plan for the Alliance and also shares his thoughts on the future of the distribution segment, including the possibility of further consolidation in the industry.
Also in the distribution segment this week, founding Federated member Fisher Auto Parts announced it is acquiring Pat Young Service Co., based in northern Ohio. Fisher Auto Parts’ acquisition of Pat Young Service Co. comes on the heels of its recent acquisitions of Crystal Lake Auto Parts, Robbin’s Auto Parts and a number of new store openings. The deal takes effect Nov. 1. In addition, a 200,000-square-foot distribution center in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and 70,000-square-foot distribution center in Raymond, N.H., opened earlier in 2010. Further expansion by the company is planned in 2011.
In manufacturing news this week, AMN readers were interested to learn about the availability of Raybestos Professional Grade Strut Assemblies from Affinia. The total market size for struts, strut cartridges, strut assembles, components and hardware is up 22 percent since 2008, according to Affinia. Strut assemblies make up the fastest growing segment, Affinia added, up 92 percent since 2008. To help technicians increase their chassis business in the growing suspension parts market, the company has announced that Raybestos Professional Grade Strut Assemblies are now in stock and available.
In retail news this week, AutoZone and DST Inc. announced a new partnership through which DST will provide AutoZone commercial customers with what it described as a “best-in-class” electronic ordering solution. DST is an IBM Business Partner and provider of automotive e-business solutions. According to Stan Gowisnock, DST president and CEO, the company’s TurboParts next generation eCommerce solution will enable connected local, regional and national repair businesses, and also fleet and public sector customers, with the ability to significantly reduce the time required to identify, locate, order and receive parts from AutoZone. TurboParts also offers a new way for AutoZone commercial customers to electronically check AutoZone parts availability and prices, as well as place orders through leading shop management systems, used by major retail service chains and fleets.
The final item in our weekly wrap-up comes from the Automotive Distribution Network, which announced that Miami-based National Auto Parts Warehouse (NPW) was recently voted into Parts Plus membership under the umbrella of the Automotive Distribution Network.
“Parts Plus is a perfect fit for NPW’s Florida warehouse locations as well as for Speed Warehouse, their recent wholesale-operation acquisition in California,” Network President Mike Lambert said. “We look forward to strengthening the Parts Plus brand and market share in Florida, California and surrounding states with NPW.”
Unlike some warehouses that have shifted to two-step distribution, NPW joined Parts Plus as an extension of its commitment to jobbers and their future, according to NPW President and CEO Larry Pacey.
Editor’s Note: For those of you heading off to Las Vegas for Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, we wish you safe and happy travels. Whether or not you’ll be at AAPEX, stay tuned to AMN for daily reports from the show floor.
