Digital Auto Care Factbook 2019 - 105

Glossary and Terms
Specialty Repair Shops: Establishments specializing in
one facet of automotive repair, such as transmission, ignition
or exhaust. The outlet's specialty accounts for more than 50
percent of total sales receipts.
Specialty Stores: Retail outlets, such as auto parts stores,
that restrict its appeal to a specific type of merchandise. These
outlets generally offer wider assortments in a narrower range
than department, discount or variety stores.
Speed Shops: Specialty stores selling high-performance
automotive products.
Three-Step Distribution: Traditional aftermarket distribution
process where products flow from the manufacturer to the
warehouse distributor to the jobber to the service outlet.
Tier One Suppliers: Automotive parts manufacturers that
supply final equipment directly to vehicle manufacturers.
Increasingly, tier one suppliers are becoming producers of major
subassemblies and modular components that can be installed
into a vehicle as a unit, such as a complete drivetrain.
Tier Two Suppliers: Manufacturers that produce components
for Tier One suppliers.
Tier Three Suppliers: Manufacturers that supply raw materials
used in the production of components.
Tire Dealers: Stores that generate more than 50 percent of
their sales from automotive tires.
Tool and Equipment Segment: Specialists in providing the
tools and equipment needed to perform repair and maintenance
of motor vehicles.
Transplants: Cars and trucks manufactured in the United
States with a foreign nameplate.

Truck Stops: Firms primarily involved in the distribution of
petroleum products and the diagnosis, repair or maintenance of
commercially-operated motor vehicles.
Two-Step Distribution: Distribution process where products
flow from the manufacturer to the warehouse distributor to the
service outlet directly, eliminating the jobber.
Two-Step Warehouse Distributors: Firms that sell more than
50 percent of their products to repair shops and more than 50
percent of their purchases are from manufacturers.
Universal Product Code (UPC): Also known as bar code.
Numbers printed on product package that can be electronically
scanned for information such as brand, manufacturer and price.
Variety Stores: Establishments that sell a variety of goods at
low prices, such as apparel, accessories, gift items, stationery,
toiletries, light hardware, toys and candy (e.g., Ben Franklin).
Vehicle Class: A method of grouping vehicles according to
their Gross Vehicle Weight. Classes range from 1 to 8. See Light
Duty Vehicles, Medium Duty Vehicles and Heavy Duty Vehicles
for examples.
Wagon Jobber: A distributor operating trucks stocked with
fast-moving parts and tools, usually calling on service stations,
garages and car dealers.
Warehouse Clubs: Self-service establishments selling a
variety of products, generally in bulk sizes. Membership fees are
typically required.
Warehouse Distributors: Firms that sell more than 50 percent
of their products to automotive jobbers or retailers.
Wholesaler/Jobber: Firms that sell more than 50 percent of
their products to repair shops and more than 50 percent of their
purchases are from distributors.

Trim Segment: Companies that manufacture or distribute
interior and exterior fabrics and the associated hardware and
products used in the repair or restoration of motor vehicles,
boats and aircrafts.
Trim Shops: Firms involved in the repair or accessorization of
products primarily from the trim goods category, such as carpet,
vinyl, leather, fabrics, thread and zippers.
Truck Dealers: Firms primarily involved in the retailing of new
commercial motor vehicles. These firms also provide service for
those vehicles after the sale.

The 2019 Digital Factbook is Copyright © 2018 Auto Care Association and/or its licensor.
All other rights reserved. Use of the 2019 Digital Factbook is subject to compliance with the Legal Terms and Conditions found on page 119 of this report.

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Digital Auto Care Factbook 2019