Advance Auto Parts Announces Promotion of Tommy Merk

ROANOKE, Va.--Advance Auto Parts, Inc. , a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories and maintenance items, announced today that Tommy Merk has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Store Operations – Area 1 which covers 900 stores in the Southeast. In this position, Mr. Merk will report to Paul Klasing, Executive Vice President, Stores.

Mr. Merk began his automotive career at Automotive Discount Center, working 12 years as an independent owner operator.He joined Discount Auto Parts (DAP) in 1989 as a Store Manager, and in 1994, was promoted to Division Manager. Mr. Merk was promoted in 1998 to Director of Visual Display and again, in 1999, was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Advertising. He served in that role until the integration with Advance Auto Parts in 2001.

Upon the announcement of the integration of DAP and Advance, Mr. Merk was selected to move back to store operations as Regional Vice President for the Tampa, Florida area.

Mr. Merk has been recognized many times during his career for his leadership skills and achievements. He was recognized by his peers on two specific occasions by receiving the Devotion to Excellence award during his years with Discount Auto Parts, and subsequently received the President’s Ring of Excellence from Advance.

Mr. Merk’s promotion is a result of the forthcoming retirement of Ralph Castanza, Senior Vice President of Operations - Northeast. Senior Vice President Ken Wirth is assuming responsibility for the Northeast area, and Mr. Merk is assuming Mr. Wirth’s previous responsibility for the Southeast area.

About Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is the second-largest automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries and maintenance items in the United States, based on sales and store count. As of October 7, 2006, the Company operated 3,029 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.

Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, services, as well as on-line purchase of parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com.