AutoZone Recognizes Top Suppliers

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 24, 2005 -- AutoZone, Inc. , the nation's leading auto parts and accessories retailer, has recognized two of its manufacturing vendors as the company's Suppliers of the Year. Morse Automotive and Unit Parts Company were recognized for their achievements at the annual AutoZone Vendor Summit.

Morse Automotive, the nation's largest independently owned manufacturer of brake shoes and disc pads, supplies Valucraft, Duralast and Duralast Gold brake pads and shoes. The Chicago-based company was represented at the Summit by Jay McCory, executive vice president, who accepted the award. Unit Parts Company, an Oklahoma City-based manufacturer, supplies AutoZone with alternators and starters. Jack Vollbrecht, the company's president, accepted the AutoZone award.

"These two outstanding companies have a long-term track record of supporting AutoZone and our millions of customers," said Steve Odland, chairman, president and CEO of AutoZone. "Morse Automotive and Unit Parts Company deliver excellence and set the standard for all of our other suppliers."

AutoZone also recognized a special group of suppliers with the company's prestigious Extra Miler Award. Extra Miler Vendors are: The Valvoline Company, Shell Lubricants, MPA, Inc., Fenwick, EF Products, Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, R&B - Motormite, Qualis Automotive and Wells Manufacturing.

"The Extra Miler Award is bestowed on those manufacturers who have gone the extra mile for AutoZone and AutoZone's customers. These Extra Milers consistently support AutoZone, produce quality merchandise while holding down costs," said Jim Shea, the company's executive vice president of Merchandising and Marketing.

About AutoZone:

As of November 20, 2004, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 3,448 AutoZone stores in the United States and 64 AutoZone stores in Mexico and also sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information and auto and light truck parts through http://www.autozone.com/ .