Aftermarket Business World Report Shows Growth For Large Auto Parts Distributors

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - April 30, 2013 - PRLog -- The Advanstar Automotive Group, a leading provider of integrated media solutions to the automotive aftermarket and collision repair industry, reports most of the larger auto parts distributors in the United States enjoyed steady growth in 2012 from 2011. The finding is from the latest Aftermarket Business World Top 40 Auto Chain Report, published in the magazine's April 2013 issue. The report is based on store counts.  

The top spot in the rankings continues to be held by AutoZone, Inc., headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., with 4,685 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico and another 321 in Mexico. AutoZone increased its annual sales in 2012 to $8.6 billion from $8.1 billion in 2011, according to the company's 10-K report.

"The most notable change among our Top 10 involved BWP Distributors Inc., which was ranked number 10 last year," explained Bruce Adams, managing editor, Aftermarket Business World. "BWP and its 124 stores were acquired by Advance Auto Parts. The move pushed Advance's stores count to nearly 3,800 locations and helped the Roanoke, Virginia-based company hold its number three spot on our list."

Another acquisition worth noting was the purchase late last year of VIP Parts Tire & Service. VIP was No. 15 in the 2011 report with 57 stores and it was acquired in December by O'Reilly Automotive Inc., which boosted its overall store count from 3,740 to 4,000.

Rounding out the top 10 are General Parts International Inc. (CARQUEST) at No. 4, followed by Genuine Parts Company (NAPA), The Pep Boys, Uni-Select USA Inc., Fisher Auto Parts, Replacement Parts, Inc., and Hahn Automotive Warehouse. The “Top 40 Auto Chain Report” is available online at http://images2.advanstar.com/PixelMags/amb/digitaledition... .

If you'd like to schedule an interview with Bruce Adams, contact Boris Chernin, marketing director, at 310-857-7632 or email Boris at bchernin@advanstar.com.