Uni-Select launches 'Auto-Plus' brand

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 19, 2014) — Canadian auto parts distributor Uni-Select Inc. is launching a U.S. brand, Auto-Plus, to cover its growing U.S. operations.  

Boucherville, Quebec-based Uni-Select, which claims to be the fifth largest North American automotive aftermarket parts distributor, said uniting its warehouse distribution, independent distributors and corporate stores under the singular Auto-Plus brand is key to offering superior service to professional service centers and to growing the Auto-Plus brand.

“We've spent the last few years unifying the organization at the store level and establishing the technological infrastructure necessary to streamline our supply chain," said Mike Buzzard, vice president, marketing and sales strategies, at a presentation in Las Vegas during the recent Automotive Aftermarket Parts Exposition.

“We are now ready to go to market with all of our partners, the independent members and corporate stores, with a powerful single brand: Auto-Plus.”

The U.S. entity will continue to operate as a dual-sourcing business model, he said, where corporate stores and independent-bannered members have access to warehouse distribution and direct shipping from manufacturers.

Going to market under a single-platform Auto-Plus technology infrastructure will allow the company to streamline the entire distribution chain, Uni-Select said, resulting in a top-rated experience for customers.

The new brand also provides both independent distributors and professional service centers with in-store marketing support, including a multimedia promotional program for their customers, the company said.

“We're going to continue to invest in Auto-Plus, ensuring our independent partners and manufacturers are successful and very profitable,” said Brent Windom, president and CEO.

“The most exciting aspect of this singular and unified brand under Uni-Select will be our entire team operating under one vision, one culture and one group.”

Uni-Select has 27 warehouse distribution centers in the U.S., coupled with 230-plus corporate stores and more than 3,000 independent retailers.

Sales in the U.S. last year were $1.26 billion, or 72 percent of Uni-Select's overall sales.

Uni-Select has posted videos of its executives discussing the launch of the Auto-Plus brand in the U.S. They can be viewed individually by clicking on the executive's name:

• Brent Windom, president and CEO
• Mike Buzzard, vice president, marketing and sales strategies
• Bill McConnell, vice president, independent sales
• Wade Sharp, senior vice president, store operations and sales