Germantown, Tenn., Kansas City, Mo., and Crystal Lake, Ill. – The Automotive Distribution Network (The Network), Automotive Parts Associates (APA Group) and VIPAR Heavy Duty have announced the formation of NEXUS North America, LLC.
In March 2016 the three organizations announced that they joined NEXUS Automotive International SA (N!), a leading global aftermarket trade group. The new NEXUS North America entity serves as the exclusive partner for N! in North America. The organization has offices located in Germantown, Tenn., Kansas City., Mo., and Crystal Lake., Ill. Officers of the organization are David Prater (The Network), president; Chris Baer (VIPAR Heavy Duty), vice president; Gary Martin (APA Group), secretary; and Beth San Filippo (VIPAR Heavy Duty), treasurer.
The formation of NEXUS North America further strengthens the resolve of its founding partners, putting more “skin in the game” to execute on combined strategies and work in close alignment on key marketplace initiatives that can positively affect each partner. Leaders within NEXUS North America actively serve on multiple N! committees and boards, including the auto and truck global sourcing committees.
“This agreement is exciting for all of us,” said David Prater, president of The Network. “The ability to look at data efficiencies alone, in addition to discussing common solutions to everyday issues, makes our members anticipate great opportunities.”
NEXUS North America provides a forum for the three groups to share ideas, knowledge and strategies to best meet the needs of customers ranging from light passenger through heavy duty commercial vehicles. The partnership also enables each group to collaborate on a deeper level to address mutual opportunities and challenges while serving their respective market segments. Areas of concentration for the group include PDC opportunities, technology sharing and solutions, national fleets and global supplier relationships.
