Advance Auto Parts Names BP-Lubricants Castrol 2018 Vendor of the Year

Advance Auto Parts presented its 2018 Vendor of the Year award to BP-Lubricants Castrol during the company’s annual Supplier Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Advance presented the 2018 Vendor of the Year award to Castrol in recognition of its “collaborative planning, focused marketing strategies and role in driving new sales and customer partnerships,” Advance noted.

Advance presented the Vendor of the Year Award to Craig Chenoweth, Castrol’s vice president and general manager, retail sales, North America, at a special awards dinner during the Supplier Summit.

During the event, Advance also honored three other companies for their partnership and performance:

BWD Automotive Corp. – Professional Excellence Vendor of the Year
ITW Global Brands – Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Excellence Vendor of the Year
Sylvania – Superior Availability Vendor of the Year

“Our annual Supplier Summit is an event we look forward to every year as we take time to recognize our vendor partners and the critical role they play in enabling us to meet the needs of our Customers,” said Mike Broderick, executive vice president, merchandising and store operations support at Roanoke, Va.-based Advance Auto Parts. “At Advance, we believe we have the best parts team and selection in the industry, and we simply couldn’t do what we do without the contributions of our vendor partners. We thank all of our partners who attended the summit and extend our congratulations to this year’s award winners.”

Advanced recognized BWD Automotive for the supplier’s “innovative efforts to expand engine management programs as well as its hands-on approach to product training and customer visits.”

ITW received the DIY Excellence Vendor of the Year honor for its “continued creativity and focus on bringing new marketing and promotions forward to benefit Advance and its DIY customers,” Advance said.

Sylvania – last year’s DIY Excellence Vendor of the Year – received the Superior Availability Vendor of the Year award for its “highly collaborative approach in working with Advance as well as its on-time delivery and supply focus.”

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced the launch of its 65th-anniversary fundraising initiative. Running through July 1, 2024, the campaign aims to raise $65,000 through 1,000 donations of $65 each. This impactful effort highlights the industry's commitment to taking care of its own, the AACF said.

From sudden illness and death to natural disasters, the foundation has provided assistance to industry professionals and their families during their darkest hours. As AACF celebrates its 65th year of service, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide financial support and resources to those in the automotive aftermarket industry in need, the organization said.