ROANOKE, VA — Advance Auto Parts is celebrating 75 years in business this year.

The company was founded by Arthur Taubman in 1932, with two stores in Roanoke, VA, and one in Lynchburg, VA. In the beginning, the company served as a general merchandiser, selling a variety of items to customers including automotive parts and accessories. In the 1970s, under the leadership of Nick Taubman, son of Arthur Taubman, the company transitioned to an automotive aftermarket specialty retailer.

"In the past 75 years, vehicles and the technology that drive them have continually changed, and over this great company’s next 75 years, that trend will undoubtedly continue. One thing that never changes, whether it’s 1932, 2007 or 2082, is Advance’s commitment to helping each new generation of drivers understand, maintain and repair their cars," said Mike Coppola, chairman, president and CEO.

Advance said it is using the anniversary celebration to recognize its employees, customers and communities its serves.

"Advance’s commitment to Team Members is rivaled only by its commitment to the communities in which the company’s more than 3,000 stores operate and by the dedication Team Members have to their customers," continued Coppola. "Whether it’s on a national level where the company’s support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has raised more than $11 million for that organization since 1994, or locally where Team Members are actively involved in various community-based charitable organizations, Advance and its Team Members are tireless in their efforts to give back to the communities in which they live and work."

Advance will also mark this milestone throughout the year with special sales promotions.

For more information about Advance, go to: http://www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.