On May 11, 1916, General Motors (GM) Founder William C. “Billy” Durant assembled a dream team of premium automotive brands into a new company called United Motors Corp. – the forerunner of ACDelco – to provide a single source for service and replacement parts to the growing number of car buyers.
Starting this week, ACDelco is celebrating its 100th birthday not only by reflecting on its deep heritage, but planning its future as the automotive industry continues to evolve. The brand that flew over the Atlantic with Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart; on the racetrack with Dale Earnhardt and into outer space on Apollo moon missions is leveraging its GM roots to understand the advanced powertrains, telematics and technologies that will reshape the future for everyday motorists.
“No business achieves this kind of a milestone by itself, and we’re grateful for the support of our parts customers and employees who’ve helped make ACDelco what it is today,” said Robert Sanford, general director, ACDelco. “We’re honored that so many insist on using ACDelco parts, and we’re looking forward to another 100 years of aftermarket leadership.”
Since its birth in Flint, Michigan, ACDelco – the true GM original equipment aftermarket parts brand – has evolved into a global force in the automotive aftermarket. Its catalog of more than 90,000 parts across 37 lines undergoes rigorous testing and validation cycles to ensure quality, fit, form and function.
In addition to premium parts, ACDelco was among the first aftermarket providers to focus on the importance of training technicians on proper installation techniques. Another earlier iteration of ACDelco – United Motors Service – offered its first course in automotive air conditioning repair in the 1970s, at each of its 30 GM training centers across the U.S.
ACDelco is marking its centennial several ways: by honoring its top Professional Service Center stores (PSC); giving 100 scholarships to future technicians attending GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) college programs; and helping families in need during “Day of Service” events throughout the country. During the Day of Service events, ACDelco will partner with the GM Foundation and Safe Kids to perform repairs and offer child seat safety inspections for free.
Top Shops
In addition, through July 30, ACDelco is accepting nominations for its Top Shops contest, which will reward members of ACDelco’s PSC program who practice the best service, customer care and community engagement.
Five grand-prize winners – and their guests – will win a trip to Las Vegas and receive special recognition by ACDelco at the 2016 Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo, which takes place Nov. 1-3. Visit acdelcopsctopshops.com for more information and nomination requirements.
“100 Years, 100 Futures”
ACDelco also is investing in the next generation of technicians by teaming up with the General Motors ASEP to distribute 100 scholarships to students pursuing careers as automotive technicians. The scholarships will help defray the costs of college for students enrolled in the GM ASEP program, which combines classroom and real world, paid internships at sponsoring GM dealerships and independent ACDelco PSC program shops.
Beginning this month, five scholarship recipients will be announced weekly through GM ASEP and ACDelco social media channels, emails and newsletters.
ACDelco Day of Service
ACDelco is using its centennial to help give back to the local communities it serves. During the week of May 11 – in 17 cities across the U.S. – ACDelco will partner with the GM Foundation, local chapters of Safe Kids Worldwide and its PSC program shops to help families in need repair their vehicles. Follow ACDelco’s Facebook page to learn more about these events as they happen.
Watch ACDelco Make History Again
Visit ACDelco.com/100years to learn more about ACDelco’s history and plans for the next 100 years.