Carquest
| File:CARQUEST.jpg | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aftermarket Auto parts wholesale/retail |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Founders |
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| Headquarters | Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. |
Area served | United States, Canada |
Key people |
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| Products | OE auto parts, automotive finishes, tools & equipment, professional training, business management |
| Parent | Advance Auto Parts (2014–present) |
| Subsidiaries | Carquest Canada |
| Website | www www |
Carquest Corporation operates as a U.S.-based automotive parts distribution network, owned by Advance Auto Parts and represented through independently owned outlets under the "Carquest Auto Parts" brand. As of October 2014, Advance managed 5,305 retail locations alongside 109 Worldpac branches, employing around 75,000 individuals.[1] Following a strategic restructuring focused on enhancing profitability by concentrating on more robust markets and streamlining distribution centers, Advance discontinued its collaboration with the Los Angeles Dodgers and closed all stores in California. The company has confronted declining revenues due to reduced vehicle repair activities and has responded by implementing operational, inventory, and supply chain cost reductions.
Company History
Founded in 1974 by O. Temple Sloan of General Parts, Dan Bock from Bobro Products, and Joe Hughes of Indiana Parts Warehouse,[2] Carquest was established as a cooperative alliance aimed at competing with large-volume retailers through a programmed distribution strategy. By 1994, the organization included 14 distributors operating a total of 64 stores across the United States.[3]
General Parts emerged as the dominant member, controlling 1,400 out of Carquest’s 3,400 stores by 2011.[4] Sloan had originally founded General Parts in 1961. Bobro Products was sold in 1984 to White Plains Automotive and rebranded as B.W.P. Distributors; this entity was subsequently acquired by Advance Auto in 2012.[5] Dan Bock later assumed the role of Carquest president. Indiana Parts Warehouse merged into General Parts in 1991.[6]
In 2004, Carquest acquired Worldpac but continued to operate it separately.[7] General Parts generated $258 million in capital in 2011 through a sale-leaseback arrangement involving its distribution centers.[8]
June 2012 saw the relaunch of Carquest’s website featuring options for online purchases with in-store pickup.[9] Later that year, Advance Auto Parts expanded its presence in the Northeastern U.S. by acquiring B.W.P. Distributors.[10] On October 16, 2013, Advance announced plans to acquire Carquest’s parent company for roughly $2 billion; this transaction was finalized in January 2014.[11][12] Present-day Carquest members include Advance Auto Parts, Automotive Warehouse (Hawaii), CAP Warehouse (Nevada), and Muffler Warehouse (Idaho).
In 2021, Advance revealed intentions to launch retail outlets under the Carquest banner.[13]
WorldPac
Formed in 1995 through the merger of WorldWide Trading Corp. (WWTC) and Imported Parts and Accessories (IMPAC), WorldPac specializes in sourcing rare aftermarket parts for imported vehicles. Acquired by Carquest in 2004, WorldPac was later incorporated into Advance Auto Parts following the merger with General Parts International in 2014. In November 2023, Advance Auto Parts declared plans to divest its WorldPac and Carquest Canada segments as part of a strategic realignment.
Sponsorships
Up until 2016, Carquest was the title sponsor of the Carquest Auto Parts National Hot Rod Association Nationals held at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, an event televised on Fox Sports 1. Additionally, the company acted as the official auto parts provider for Hendrick Motorsports through the conclusion of the 2011 NASCAR season, sharing sponsorship of the No. 5 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch in a three-year arrangement alongside Kellogg's beginning in 2006.
In the years that followed, Carquest backed Hendrick Motorsports racers Casey Mears in 2008 and Mark Martin from 2009 to 2011, securing primary sponsorship roles in several NASCAR Sprint Cup events. The collaboration originated in 2002 when Carquest became an associate sponsor for Ricky Hendrick’s vehicles competing in the NASCAR Busch Series, playing a role in Brian Vickers’ championship success and later extending support into the Sprint Cup Series.
Carquest’s involvement in motorsports extended further, including sponsorship of the Carquest Bowl from 1994 to 1997, backing IHRA Drag Racing champion Paul Romine between 1997 and 2004, and supporting NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers Scott Riggs and Jason Leffler during the period from 2001 to 2004. The company also sponsored NHRA drag racing events from 2003 until 2007.
More recently, Carquest appeared on the #92 Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driven by David Gilliland under a one-race sponsorship agreement. In 2022, Advance Auto Parts established an exclusive alliance with the Los Angeles Dodgers, appointing Carquest as an official auto parts retailer for the franchise, thereby boosting its brand prominence and market reach.