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On this episode of All About The Car, Scott Ferguson from National Auto Parts Association (NAPA) joins us. Scott helps shed some light on what it takes to succeed as the largest parts distributor in the world and how to meet the needs of such a diverse group of customers. He also guides us through a fun-filled trip down the Crystal River in the Chain o’ Lakes/Waupaca, WI area. Buckle up and join us for the ride!

NAPA began in Atlanta, Georgia in 1925 when Genuine Parts Company brought several distributors together under the NAPA name. Scott has been working with the NAPA system since 1987 and now owns 11 stores throughout Wisconsin.

Scott’s had a front row seat over the years and he has seen the industry change a lot over the years. In the 1980’s, 95% of parts sold by NAPA were made in the United States. Now, that number is around 5% and parts come from all over the world. Needless to say, supply chain issues and shipping regulations have been a big challenge for them to manage.

NAPA now supplies parts to 6,100+ stores in the U.S., 5,100 in Canada and 15,000 affiliated repair shops – including repair shops in Latin America and the Caribbean. Another change in the industry has been the age of cars on the road. Currently, the average age of vehicles on the road in the U.S. is 12.5 years old. In 2000, the average age was just 7 years. That means  there are many more models of cars that will need replacement parts for routine maintenance and major repairs.

As an answer to these new industry challenges, Genuine Parts company has been building super distribution centers that serve NAPA and their industrial supply company Motion Industries. The warehouses are 60-80 feet tall and filled with towers of parts that are accessed by robotic systems. Giant high-tech inventory systems like this have allowed NAPA and other companies to condense multiple widespread distribution centers and streamline their product management. With over 750,000 different models of parts available in the NAPA system, efficiency is crucial.

NAPA provides a service to consumers and repair shops by having parts quickly and reliably available. NAPA delivery vehicles run around the clock to make sure that orders are filled as needed. Vehicle manufacturers do not have the capability to hold a stock of parts that can meet the needs of all the many vehicles on the road. Typically, they keep a supply of parts for vehicles up to only 5 years old – less than half the average age of vehicles on the road. That’s where NAPA comes in. They often work with the vehicle manufacturers to make sure their parts stores are able to provide high-quality parts for popular vehicles the manufacturer no longer carries.

Not only does NAPA provide parts for the average vehicles on the road, they are also equipped to supply parts for electric vehicles which will need to be replaced during regular maintenance. NAPA also supplies parts for farm equipment and heavy-duty vehicles!

It sure sounds like NAPA is ready to help drivers move into the future while also taking care of the past!

Road Trip Wisconsin: Crystal River, Chain o’ Lakes, Waupaca, WI

Scott shared one of his family’s favorite trips with us. About 30 minutes from our hometown of Stevens Point, WI, the Chain o’ Lakes offers a summer paradise to locals and tourists alike. Crystal River is a special spot for Scott’s family. You can rent kayaks and tubes to play on the water and float down the river, but watch out for the rapids! Check out our full podcast episode to hear about Scott’s memories of Crystal River trips. You can listen here or wherever you stream podcasts.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss:

Ding’s Dock

Little Fat Gretchen’s

Clearwater Harbor

 

Full podcast transcription available at insert here.