1920 - 1930
In 1926, Charles-Émile Préfontaine leaves his rural village and heads for Montréal with a vision in his mind and just a few dollars in his pocket, foreseeing a big future in automobiles. He realizes that every car on the road will need parts for repairs and maintenance. And he sets about making his dream come true as the first United Auto Parts Limited opens its doors on Park Avenue in Montréal.

He quickly adds new services: a shop for engine rebuilding, another for brake and radiator repairs as well as a tool and equipment department.

1930 - 1940
Between 1926 and 1936, Charles-Émile Préfontaine opens 12 United Auto Parts stores in Québec. Most of these new stores will be set up with investment from local business people, an approach ahead of its time.

1940 - 1950
As the Allied victory in 1945 heralded a new era of prosperity, Charles-Émile Préfontaine jumps at the opportunity to move United Auto Parts into the Ontario market with the acquisition of the 14 James Cowan stores. Within two years, the first United Auto Parts distribution centre, the Canadian Automotive Warehousing Limited (CAWL), is open for business.

1950 - 1960
By 1951, to offer a even greater service, a centralized inventory control system is set up.

United Auto Parts sets up CADEL, a distribution centre handling parts for electrical and fuel systems, diesel injection, air-cooled engine systems.

United Auto Parts develops a program of its own for imported parts, Eurocan Motor Products, with distribution centres in Montréal and Toronto. The company will remain in operation for close to 30 years.

1960 - 1970
The 1960s are a turning point for United Auto Parts, which now has 80 stores, 20 workshops and seven warehouses in Québec and Ontario.

The Traction Specialty Division opens in 1962, the same year the United Auto Parts Associates program begins. Today, this banner represents some 429 stores.

In 1966, United Auto Parts becomes a publicly traded company on Canadian stock exchanges. The following year “UAP Inc.” is adopted as the official corporate designation. And aware of the importance of having trained staff, UAP starts its first training programs.

1970 - 1980
The auto parts market reaches a phase where distribution becomes popular. UAP adapts with a new complex on Haig Street in Montréal, integrating head office, training centre and major warehouse.

As part of its consumer-oriented strategy, UAP now tries its first experiment in retail marketing. The company acquires Mister Muffler, then Western Tire and Auto Supply, then Handy Andy Home and Auto.

UAP already celebrates its 50th anniversary.

1980 - 1990
To help its partners increase their market share in mufflers, shocks, brakes and suspensions, UAP launches the AUTOPRO Mechanical program for auto mechanics and service stations.

Late in the decade, a partnership is struck with Genuine Parts Company, which further expanded the number of stores by 118. This partnership permitted further acquisitions of major companies such as Automarine Electric Company and Fort Ignition, completing the vision of a strong coast-to-coast presence.

The new synergy between the two companies will now be presented under a single logo. Taking the UAP name and merging it with the strong NAPA marketing name of Genuine Parts Company, the operations of the Automotive Division will carry on under the new name of UAP/NAPA. All stores also adopted a consistent pipeline identity under the UAP/NAPA name.

At the same time, UAP reaches its first supply agreement with Sears Auto Centres, marking the beginning of the major accounts program with accounts such as Ultramar and Petrocan among others.

In the non-automotive aftermarket, UAP seizes three key segment opportunities: heavy duty parts distribution, rebuilding engines and parts, and industrial parts distribution. UAP would proceed with major acquisitions in each sector.

2000 to today
The twenty-first century is the bearer of significant change for UAP. On February 1, 2002, at its national business conference of more than 1,000 staff members, associates, and suppliers, UAP announced the plan to convert its 600 stores to the NAPA brand.

The conversion goes far beyond a mere change of signs. It’s a plan that envisions a new marketing approach that will help us win a larger consumer clientele, all while continuing to serve our traditional installer clientele.

Once united under the NAPA brand, the 600 Canadian stores will join some 5,800 NAPA Auto Parts stores in the U.S. and the Auto Todo network in Mexico, thus forming the largest network of auto parts stores in North America.

UAP INC.

7025 Ontario Street East
Montréal, Québec
H1N 2B3

Telephone:
(514) 256-5031

Fax:
(514) 256-8469