AutoZone recently recognized its slate of top suppliers for this year, during the AutoZone Vendor Summit 2012 held in Memphis, Tenn. GRI Engineering Development LLC and Bosch Brake Components were both named Vendors of the Year, along with a selection of companies and individuals that were presented with "Extra Miler" and "What It Takes To Do The Job Right" awards. Click here to see the full list of winners. In other news surrounding AutoZone this week, the company is reportedly rolling out a new rural (heavy machine and ag parts) program in 58 test markets.
In other news from the distribution segment, WORLDPAC has been named distributor for ATE PremiumOne brake parts in the U.S. for 2012. The ATE PremiumOne Brake program, manufactured by Continental, includes the ATE all-makes brake pad and rotor line. WORLDPAC will be offering ATE PremiumOne disc brake rotors and pads for popular domestic, European and Asian vehicle applications.
Hytec Automotive, which initially entered the automotive aftermarket in 2005, is back in the news and under new ownership. The water pump manufacturer has been acquired by a privately held global automotive aftermarket manufacturing and distribution company based in south Florida. The partnership will allow for Hytec to market a full line of automotive products into the United States, Canadian and international aftermarkets. Its new Florida-based partner currently markets fuel pumps, struts, shock absorbers, hub bearings and fan clutches into select international automotive aftermarkets. While the name of Hytec’s new owner has yet to be revealed, we expect to find out in the coming weeks.
Last in our look back at the week’s top news is our most recent Executive Interview with long-time industry leader Rusty Bishop of Federated, speaking from his perspective as chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. In the interview, Bishop talks about the group’s re-energized efforts to increase support and funding for the foundation, which provides financial support to those looking to further their education in support of a career in the automotive aftermarket.
