Auto parts group eyes combo efforts of Pronto, Federated

GRAPEVINE, Texas (April 22, 2015) — The recently merged Federated Auto Parts/National Pronto Association has developed several joint programs designed to foster the parts distributors groups' integration.

Automotive Parts Services Group (APSG, or “The Group”) revealed the programs during its leadership meeting April 13-14 in Grapevine prior to the Pronto spring membership meeting.

“We are very proud of the progress made in the 15 weeks since Federated and Pronto joined forces,” said Bill Maggs, president and CEO of the National Pronto Association and co-CEO of The Group.

“We continue to find opportunities to improve support and services for the benefit of our members and suppliers. Because the culture of the two organizations is very similar, with a focus on creating value and continuous improvement, the formation of The Group is an exciting opportunity for all of us.”

Among the programs planned for the merged networks are:

• Co-Man products and services will be available to Pronto members in the near future.
• Both groups agreed to support and share in the “MYAutoAware” telematics program, making it available to their professional service and fleet customers.
• The network is creating “The Group Training Academy” for its members.
• New national account agreements, along with approvals for member and supplier growth benefits, were reviewed.
• Plans were discussed to improve inventory management and forecasting capabilities.
• An electronic catalog was previewed for the members in attendance and plans were presented for future enhancements and special features.

“Meeting in Dallas gave us the opportunity to conduct a high-level review with top leadership as well as update the entire Pronto membership on the significant progress made in a number of critical areas,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts and co-CEO of The Group.

“It also gave us the chance to share some exciting advancements with our supplier partners and hear many valuable ideas and suggestions first-hand from members and suppliers.”

The Pronto meeting drew more than 500 members. Pronto is an automotive parts distribution group with 92 shareholder owners who distribute name brand, OE and Pronto exclusive brand products in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Together with Federated Auto Parts, The Group operates more than 5,000 locations in North America with estimated member revenue of approximately $7 billion.