MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), the nation's leading retailer and a leading distributor of auto parts and accessories, recognized Dorman Products, Inc. as its Vendor of the Year during the company's annual AutoZone Vendor Summit held in Memphis, Tennessee.
"Dorman exemplifies an industry-leading vendor. The entire Dorman organization is dedicated to innovation, collaboration and speed to market," said Bill Rhodes, Chairman, President and CEO of AutoZone.
AutoZone also recognized a special group of suppliers with the company's prestigious Extra Miler Award.
"The Extra Miler Award recognizes those suppliers who have set a high standard for consistently working together with AutoZone to grow the business and strengthen customer loyalty," said Mark Finestone, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Store Development. Extra Miler winners were Budge Industries, LLC, Johnson Controls, Neotek Corporation, Inc., OSRAM SYLVANIA, Prestone Products Corporation, Qualis Automotive, Shell Lubricants and Wells Vehicle Electronics.
Additionally, WITTDTJR (What It Takes To Do The Job Right) Awards were given to suppliers as recognition for taking the initiative to make sure AutoZoners and customers have what it takes to complete the job. WITTDTJR award winners were Bearing Technologies, Dayco, Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc., MOTHERS, Motorcar Parts of America and Premier Accessory Group.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of AutoZone, and 43 brands were recognized for being with AutoZone since the first store opened in Forrest City, Arkansas on July 4, 1979. Each year, AutoZone holds the Vendor Summit hosting more than 500 vendors for celebration, training, and recognition activities.
About AutoZone:
As of February 15, 2014, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 4,871 AutoZone stores in 49 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 367 stores in Mexico and four stores in Brazil for a total store count of 5,242.
AutoZone is the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Many stores also have a commercial sales program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations, and public sector accounts. AutoZone also sells the ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software through www.alldata.com. Additionally, we sell automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, non-automotive products and subscriptions to the ALLDATAdiy product through www.autozone.com, accessories through www.autoanything.com and our commercial customers can make purchases through www.autozonepro.com. AutoZone does not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation.