Metric Auto Parts Inc.

Metric Auto Parts Inc. stands as a significant player in the automotive aftermarket, serving as a comprehensive auto parts store that caters to both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. With a strong focus on import vehicles, including European and Asian makes, they offer an extensive inventory of high-quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. While multiple entities might use similar names (like "Metric Auto Works" or "Metric Motors"), Metric Auto Parts Inc., particularly the one serving the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, distinguishes itself through its specialized inventory, industry expertise, and commitment to delivering exceptional value.

The environment at Metric Auto Parts Inc. is optimized for efficient parts distribution and customer service. As a wholesale auto parts importer and distributor, their facilities likely include multiple warehouses, as indicated by their presence in the Twin Cities metro area. These warehouses are designed to house a vast inventory, ensuring that a wide range of parts is readily available. The layout is structured for quick retrieval and order fulfillment, crucial for supporting professional repair shops and ensuring prompt service for individual customers. The customer-facing aspect typically involves a well-organized counter or sales area where knowledgeable staff can assist with part identification and ordering. The emphasis is on a professional, knowledgeable, and efficient service experience, reflecting their role in supplying critical components for vehicle repair and maintenance. While not a repair shop, their expertise directly supports the auto repair industry by providing the necessary components.

Metric Auto Parts Inc. provides an extensive range of automotive parts and accessories, categorizing them under the broader platform category of "Auto Repair Stations" due to their direct contribution to vehicle repair and maintenance. Their offerings are characterized by both breadth and quality:

• Comprehensive Parts Inventory: They stock thousands of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) covering a vast array of vehicle systems. This includes, but is not limited to, engine components, suspension parts, electrical parts, rubber components, and heavy-duty parts and accessories.

• OEM and Aftermarket Parts: Metric Auto Parts Inc. offers both OEM parts, supplied by the same manufacturers that provide parts to car factories (e.g., Valeo, Bosch, Denso, Hella, Aisin, NGK), and high-quality aftermarket parts. They are meticulous in sourcing their aftermarket lines, ensuring they meet or exceed industry standards, unlike some suppliers who prioritize only the lowest cost.

• Specialization in Import Vehicles: A significant strength is their focus on import vehicles, including a wide array of European (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, Volvo, Volkswagen, Fiat) and Asian (Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Toyota) makes. They pride themselves on having the "largest local inventory of high quality parts for Euro and Asian vehicles."

• Performance Products: They also offer a range of performance products, including exhaust systems (which can be custom-designed for improved performance and sound), polyurethane mounts, sway bars, and other suspension components designed to enhance vehicle handling and stability.

• Obsolete OEM Product Sourcing: Uniquely, MTC Parts (an entity closely associated with Metric Auto Parts Inc., potentially their manufacturing arm or a key supplier) has the capability to produce obsolete OEM products. This ensures that parts for older or less common vehicles remain available to the market, a significant benefit for owners and repair shops maintaining classic or older models.

• Brands Carried: Their product lines include parts sold under reputable brands such as MTC, Goldflex, Ronak, Seerat, Sameer, and H.S, alongside a multitude of well-known OEM suppliers.

• Wholesale and Retail Sales: While catering significantly to professional accounts with free local delivery and online ordering capabilities, they also make their extensive inventory accessible to individual customers, ensuring "everyone" can access the quality parts professional shops demand.

Metric Auto Parts Inc. distinguishes itself through several key features that solidify its position as a preferred auto parts provider:

• Deep Industry Expertise and Knowledgeable Staff: Founded in 1986 and family-owned and operated since 1987, the company boasts over four decades of experience (referencing MTC Parts' history). Their staff are described as "knowledgeable import vehicle enthusiasts," ensuring customers receive accurate guidance and the right parts for their specific needs. They are active members of industry associations like SIPS (Society of Import Parts Specialists), APA Professionals' Choice, and The Auto Care Association, reflecting their commitment to industry standards and knowledge.

• Vast and Specialized Inventory: Their claim of having the "largest local inventory of high quality parts for Euro and Asian vehicles" is a major draw. This extensive stock means customers can find what they need quickly, reducing vehicle downtime.

• Commitment to Quality Sourcing: Metric Auto Parts Inc. emphasizes rigorous research and testing to "weed out the poor performers" among aftermarket suppliers. They aim to source "country of origin parts" whenever possible, meaning European parts for European vehicles, Japanese parts for Japanese vehicles, and Korean parts for Korean vehicles, ensuring optimal fit and performance. They actively avoid the practice of simply sourcing the lowest-priced product from China.

• Competitive Pricing and Value: While focusing on high-quality parts, they also offer significant savings compared to OEM dealership prices. They position their "value lines" (non-OES) as being of comparable quality to other suppliers' premium lines, ensuring affordability without compromising quality.

• Efficient Distribution and Delivery: For their wholesale accounts, they offer free local delivery and daily shipping via UPS and Spee-Dee Delivery, ensuring parts reach repair shops promptly. Online ordering through platforms like Epicor and PartsTech further streamlines the process for business clients.

• Customer Service: Beyond just selling parts, they emphasize excellent customer service, with a team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals always available to answer questions and help find the right parts.

Metric Auto Parts Inc. engages in various promotional activities to attract and retain customers, particularly their wholesale accounts and dedicated enthusiasts:

• Vendor Rebates and Incentives: They frequently offer promotions that may include rebates directly from their vendors. This allows customers to save money on specific part purchases.

• Loyalty Programs and Giveaways: They conduct promotional activities like gift cards for local restaurants or annual trip giveaways, often in partnership with organizations like Professionals' Choice Auto Parts, to reward loyal customers and professional accounts.

• Online Promotions and Discounts: While not universally advertised for retail customers, online platforms and direct marketing to accounts might feature special pricing or bundled offers on specific product lines. For instance, Metrix Premium Chassis Parts (a related brand) offers a 20% discount on first orders and free shipping on all orders.

• Emphasis on Cost Savings: Their messaging often highlights how partnering with them can lead to significant cost savings on automotive part purchases without sacrificing quality, which is a strong promotional point for businesses.

• Trade Shows and Industry Events: As a wholesale distributor and a member of various industry associations, they likely participate in trade shows and industry events to connect with current and potential business clients and showcase their product range.

For local users in the Twin Cities and beyond, Metric Auto Parts Inc. presents itself as a reliable and expert source for high-quality automotive components, particularly for import vehicles, backed by extensive inventory and dedicated customer service. It is recommended to check their official website or contact their sales team directly for the most current product availability and promotional offers.