Pep Boys and 1-800-TOW-TRUCK Announce Alliance
6 September 2000
Pep Boys and 1-800-TOW-TRUCK Announce Alliance
Business EditorsPHILADELPHIA--Sept. 6, 2000--
Pep Boys , the nation's leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, and 1-800-TOW-TRUCK(TM), the nationwide network providing emergency auto roadside assistance, today announced the formation of an alliance that will provide "1-800-TOW-TRUCK" callers with a direct connection to the nearest Pep Boys Supercenter.
A pilot program is underway in the Chicago area and, if successful, will be expanded to other markets across the United States.
With over 6,900 service bays in 37 states and Puerto Rico, this new alliance allows Pep Boys to leverage its powerful market presence and brand equity in superior automotive repair with stranded motorists in need of emergency service.
The 1-800-TOW-TRUCK dispatch center will connect a stranded motorist to a Pep Boys service department to help diagnose the roadside problem. Should towing be necessary, the dispatch center will recommend bringing the vehicle to Pep Boys for repair. Pep Boys is open seven days and six nights a week and stocks a full complement of parts and tires. During this pilot, Pep Boys will use the 1-800-TOW-TRUCK network of towing facilities for all towing needs and requests in the Chicago area.
"Once again, the consumer wins with Pep Boys," said Mitchell G. Leibovitz, CEO of Pep Boys. "Stranded motorists will have a direct connection to towing and top-quality service with one simple phone call. Pep Boys prides itself on being able to provide the best customer service and the highest quality vehicle maintenance and repair work available anywhere."
"We expect this service to increase awareness of the 1-800-TOW-TRUCK option for stranded motorists, as well as increase towing calls to our member companies," said David Muller, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for 1-800-TOW-TRUCK. "By partnering with Pep Boys, we are not only offering motorists the fastest response time in the industry, but also are providing them with access to a nationally recognized brand in automotive repair."
Pep Boys has 665 stores and nearly 7,000 service bays in 37 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its vehicle repair and maintenance capabilities, the company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS or by visiting pepboys.com.