Northwood University Details Upcoming Automotive Summit
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By APF
The automotive aftermarket industry could be on the verge of one of its biggest shakeups in years.
According to a Bloomberg report, O'Reilly Automotive has submitted a cash offer for the automotive parts division of Genuine Parts Company, a business that analysts believe could be valued at more than $10 billion. While neither company has confirmed the negotiations, the report suggests a decision on the future of the business could come before the end of the summer. Genuine Parts could ultimately sell the division, pursue a spinoff, or retain the business if it determines that is the better long-term strategy.
For the automotive aftermarket, the implications could be significant. Genuine Parts is best known as the parent company of NAPA Auto Parts, one of North America's largest distributors of replacement parts for professional repair facilities, fleets, and do-it-yourself customers. Combining that network with O'Reilly's extensive retail and commercial operations would create an even larger player in an already competitive industry.
A transaction of this size could influence everything from supplier relationships and distribution networks to pricing, inventory availability, and competition with other major retailers such as AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. Independent repair shops may also be watching closely to see whether any ownership changes affect commercial programs, delivery networks, or parts availability.
At this stage, the report remains based on anonymous sources familiar with the discussions, and there is no guarantee a deal will ultimately be completed. Additional bidders could emerge, or Genuine Parts could decide to pursue a different strategic direction.
What do you think?
Should O'Reilly acquire Genuine Parts' automotive business? Would this strengthen competition or reduce consumer choice? How could this affect NAPA stores, independent repair shops, and DIY enthusiasts? If you're in the automotive industry, what impact would you expect on pricing and parts availability? Join the discussion below and share your thoughts on what could become one of the largest automotive aftermarket deals in recent history.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view was recognized by Hahn Automotive with the 2025 Outstanding Logistics Support Award at the annual Hahn Automotive National Sales Conference. Held last month in Rochester, N.Y., the conference prepares staff for the upcoming spring selling season and honors companies for their support and dedication to Hahn Automotive. WIX Filters Support for Hahn Automotive
link hidden, please login to view was honored for its service levels and order fill rates last year. The company has partnered with Hahn Automotive for nearly 30 years, providing a full line of filters. “Hahn Automotive stresses that service makes all the difference, emphasizing their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction,” said David Barraco, trade marketing manager at WIX Filters. “WIX Filters has supported Hahn Automotive and its customers for almost three decades, and this award demonstrates our exemplary drive to provide on-time deliveries of the highest quality filters on the market.”
Hahn Automotive Warehouses and Auto Parts
Hahn Automotive owns nine full-service warehouses and 28 pickup warehouses that distribute auto parts throughout the Midwest, New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. The company operates Advantage Auto Stores, Car Parts/Motor Supply, Genuine Auto Parts, Norwood Auto Parts, Nu-Way Auto Parts and Speedway Auto Parts.
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By OReilly Auto Parts
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (the “Company” or “O’Reilly”) (Nasdaq: ORLY), a leading retailer in the automotive aftermarket industry, today announced record revenue and earnings for its first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
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By Counterman
Some things are just easier than others in this life. When it comes to parts, we all have those lookups that test our patience, leave us shaking our heads, or make us wonder why we even got out of bed this morning.
Beginning with the basic identification of the vehicle, we are often reliant on our customer to know what they are ordering parts for. Model year may differ from the actual manufacture date appearing on the door tag, or the door may not even be original to the vehicle, skewing the results of a VIN-based parts search. Many manufacturers offer “carryover” models concurrent with a newly-released platform, creating confusion between models and leaving us to figure out the easiest or most obvious ways to identify each design. Yes, I’m looking at YOU, Silverado, Ram and Wrangler!
Other times, it’s the similarities in model names that can lead to confusion. Side by side, no one would ever confuse a Corvette with a Chevette, but click the wrong button in a catalog, and you may be halfway through the lookup before you realize something doesn’t look quite right. Those of us who remember the overlapping Ford Bronco and Bronco II models of the 1980s and ‘90s, or even the Explorer, Explorer Sport and Sport-tracs of the early 2000s can relate to the renewed confusion caused by today’s Bronco and Bronco Sport models. If I never hear the phrase “I dunno, I think it just says Bronco,” it will still be too soon!
Once we’ve positively identified the actual vehicle, we must still navigate the minefield of misnamed components and vague descriptions common to a catalog system engineered to accommodate multiple manufacturers who can never seem to agree on naming conventions. Toe links, lateral links, tension struts, and trailing arms might all fall under the broad category of “control arm.” I still have flashbacks about trying to specify Audi/VW multi-link suspension components when they first became popular. What do you mean you want the “left-front-upper-rear” control arm, sir?
Occasionally, a customer-induced curveball can really throw off your rhythm, but don’t underestimate the power of your own foolishness, either. I absolutely KNOW my left from my right (its written on my mittens, after all…) but I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve flubbed this basic request, and I do still get the odd customer who asks “you mean when I’m looking at the car, or sitting in it?” I also learned to specify “left and right” rather than “driver and passenger” after getting burned by a string of right-hand drive Jeeps owned by rural mail carriers.
No matter the vehicle and no matter the request, our greatest asset as parts specialists will always be our attention to detail. It begins with listening to our customer rather than just hearing them, and taking notes while we absorb the information they are presenting to us.
Our second greatest asset is our curiosity. We all like learning, knowing and understanding things, but when a situation does become confusing or unclear, it is always better to ask questions than to assume you’ll figure it out alone. We are here to solve problems; to find answers and we do that best when applying our unique skillset for the benefit of all. Engaging with the customer is a means of including them in the solution, one you are both equally invested in reaching.
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