STANTON, Calif. (August 20, 2003) — Autobacs Seven Co. Ltd., Japan's largest automotive aftermarket parts and accessories retailer, is opening its first U.S Super Autobacs “Car-Life” mega store in Orange County, Calif.
The new Super Autobacs store in Stanton features 35,000 square feet and two floors of specialty automotive goods including tires, wheels, sport-utility vehicle goods, car care products, car audio and DVD, GPS and security systems, books, collectibles, apparel and thousands of car accessories. An international style cafÃ&Copy; lounge area on the second floor allows customers to snack and relax while viewing their car repair or custom installation in the 15-bay pit service area below.
Founded in 1948 as a wholesaler and retailer of automobile parts, Autobacs Seven is considered to be the “Wal-Mart” of car accessories in Japan because it's a one-stop source for all automotive needs. More than 500 Autobacs franchises operate across Japan and overseas. The first Autobacs specialty store opened in Osaka, Japan in 1974, and Autobacs U.S.A. Inc., the company's subsidiary, was established in 2001.
Earlier this year, company executives in Japan told Tire Business they planned to test the Car-Life store concept in select U.S. markets, beginning in California.