The challenges of navigating parts sourcing

Changing political relations, geopolitical tensions and the search for stability and reliability are forcing the hand of the automotive aftermarket to expand its horizons when it comes to finding parts distribution.

NAPA gave a glimpse into its strategy, one that spans continents and looks beyond what the industry has considered traditional.

Randy Breaux, now the former group president of GPC North America, explained in a recent sit-down interview that today’s automotive parts industry is no longer a local game.

“This is not a North American market, this is a global market, particularly from a supply chain standpoint,” he observed during the NAPA Now event in Las Vegas this year.

The challenges are complex. Tariffs, international manufacturing variations and shifting global economic landscapes have created a minefield for parts distributors. It’s critical for the aftermarket to keep one thing top of mind despite all this, according to Breaux: Offering quality products.

“We buy parts from all over the world today,” Breaux says. “We try to look at what countries are the most advantageous for us that produce high-quality parts that fit our needs.”

Aftermarket brands pride themselves on reliability, and the company has built itself on that reputation, he added. NAPA is unwilling to compromise that reputation for cheaper manufacturing.

“We never want to jeopardize that and jeopardize the brand,” Breaux emphasized.

The strategy goes beyond simply finding the cheapest manufacturer. This means meticulously selecting suppliers who can meet their stringent quality standards. Breaux explained how his company looks for strategic partners who can consistently deliver high-quality components. This is especially critical as automotive technology becomes more complex, with parts becoming more integrated and technologically sophisticated.

That said, what good is a top-quality part if it can’t get to the shop? Supply chain disruptions have become a new normal in recent years. Breaux acknowledged these challenges, noting that getting “the right parts and getting them here on a timely basis” remains an ongoing concern for the industry.

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