Vast-O’Reilly convention celebrates performance, partnership

Vast‑Auto Distribution/O’Reilly Auto Parts drew its largest crowd yet to the 2026 annual convention, bringing more than 900 attendees together March 12-15.

Under the theme “Built For This,” the message, organizers said, was a mindset of serving customers with excellence, no matter the challenge.

“This year’s convention enabled us to build strong momentum,” said Mauro Cifelli, president of Vast‑Auto Distribution/O’Reilly Auto Parts Canada, in an announcement. “Our theme reflects the passion, dedication, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence demonstrated every day by our team members and our network of auto parts stores and service centers.”

Participants took in presentations on value‑added programs and key industry trends, and saw the launch of new product lines, including several proprietary brands. The program included a tradeshow, vendor‑led training sessions, strategic planning forums, networking events and the annual general meeting, and concluded with a Saturday evening awards gala.

2026 Award Winners

Parts City Auto Parts / Parts City Pièces d’Auto of the Year:

• Quebec: Distribution 20‑100 — Martin Boulet
• Atlantic/Ontario: Atlantic Auto Parts Resource Inc. — Craig Champion
• Company‑owned: Parts City Auto Parts/CAPS Old Innes — Justin Fischer

Certified Auto Repair / Certifié Auto Service of the Year

• Pneus Premier Choix — Benoit Sarrazin

Auto Mécano of the Year

• Ratté et Frenette Inc. — Martin Frenette

OCTO Auto Service Plus Repair of the Year

• Toretto Tires and Mechanics — Alexandre Boivin

M 360 Mechanic / M Mécanique 360 of the Year

• M Mécanique 360 Roberval — Daniel Girard and Ghislain Meunier

Vendor of the Year

• FCS Auto — June Zhou and Rick Caiello

Manufacturer Representative of the Year

• Quebec: Zota Catalin — Agna Brakes
• Atlantic/Ontario: Marc Woodburn — Mevotech

Gala Prize Winners — Trips for Two to Málaga, Spain

• Daniel Ostiguy — Danos Mécanique/Certifié Auto Service
• Danny Côté — Garage Guy Asselin/Certifié Auto Service
• Alain Morel — M Mécanique 360 Jean‑Talon Ouest