MEMPHIS, Tenn., Apr 18, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) --AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), the nation's leading retailer and a leading distributor of auto parts and accessories, recognized GRI Engineering Development LLC and Bosch Brake Components as Vendors of the Year during the AutoZone Vendor Summit 2012 held in Memphis, Tenn.

"GRI and Bosch are leading suppliers who worked together and with AutoZone to innovate and improve Duralast Gold brake pads," said Bill Rhodes, chairman, president and CEO of AutoZone.

AutoZone also recognized a special group of suppliers with the company's prestigious Extra Miler Award. Extra Miler suppliers are: Lucas Oil Products, Inc., Marklan Group, Inc., Spectra Premium Industries, Tenneco, Inc., Gabriel Ride Control LLC and East Penn Manufacturing.

"The Extra Miler award recognizes those suppliers who have demonstrated above and beyond efforts for AutoZone and our customers," said Mark Finestone, senior vice president of merchandising. "These Extra Miler suppliers set the standard for their innovative thinking, category management skills, quality merchandise and commitment with AutoZone to grow the business together."

Two individuals, Jack Vollbrecht of Remy International, Inc. and Michael Klein of IDQ USA, were recognized as Extra Milers for their commitment to the automotive aftermarket government relations efforts.

The WITTDTJR (What It Takes To Do The Job Right) Award is given to suppliers as recognition for taking the initiative to make sure AutoZoners and AutoZone customers have the right parts and the information to complete the job. The WITTDTJR Award was given to the following suppliers: Meguiar's, Inc., Import Products Co., Inc., Cequent Consumer Products, Inc., Accessories Marketing, Inc.,General Cable Industries, Inc., and Qualis Automotive, LLC.

About AutoZone:

As of February 11, 2012, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 4,580 AutoZone stores in 48 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 287 stores in Mexico.

AutoZone is the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Many stores also have a commercial sales program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations, and public sector accounts. AutoZone also sells the ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software through www.alldata.com. Additionally, we sell automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, non-automotive products and subscriptions to the ALLDATAdiy product through www.autozone.com, and our commercial customers can make purchases through www.autozonepro.com. AutoZone does not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.

SOURCE: AutoZone, Inc. 


CONTACT: Media:
Ray Pohlman
866-966-3017
ray.pohlman@autozone.Financial:
Brian Campbell
901 495-7005
brian.campbell@autozone.
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