VIP Parts, Tires and Service
VIP Tires and Service is the largest independently owned automotive aftermarket company in New England and the 14th largest in the United States.[1]
Founded in 1958, VIP Tires and Service is based in Lewiston, Maine, the second largest city in the state. In September 2001, VIP was purchased by Quirk Tires and Service. Quirk Tires was founded by Edward S. Quirk in 1926 in Watertown, Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest tire dealers in the United States. VIP is now headed by John P. Quirk, Edward's grandson, who serves as President and CEO of the company. [2]
With the merger, VIP became one of the largest privately held automotive parts and accessory chains in New England. VIP has 56 stores in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. [3]
In 2008 VIP Tires & Service received the Polk Inventory Efficiency Award in the retailer/distributor category for advanced product control technology. The Polk Inventory Efficiency Award, presented by R.L. Polk & Co., recognizes and rewards outstanding aftermarket companies for process improvements relative to inventory efficiency. [4][5]
From 1981-2007 VIP Tires and Service sponsored a one-day event held at the Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, Maine. The event was the largest single day car show in northern New England. The event combined a car show with a drag race and drew fans of show cars from classic muscle cars to Corvettes and customized tuner cars as well as trucks and motorcycles.[6]
References
- ↑ Ulrich, Bob (July 2011). "Tire Kingdom v. Discount Tire". Modern Tire Dealer. 92 (7): 18–26.
- ↑ "V.I.P., INC · Lewiston, ME United States". Hoover's. 2010-10-21. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
- ↑ "VIP Parts, Tires and Service (Official site)". Vipauto.com. Retrieved 2011-08-15.
- ↑ "R. L. Polk & Co. Announces 2008 Inventory Efficiency Award Winners" (press release) Retrieved on September 8, 2008.
- ↑ Guyette, James E. "VIP Tire Wins Polk Award". Motor Age. Retrieved September 8, 2008.
- ↑ "26th Annual VIP Show, Shine and Drag - June 24, 2007". Motortopia. Retrieved September 8, 2008.
- Aichlmayr, Lisa (July 21, 2003). "VIP shifts gears to speedy auto service.". Tire Business. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- "MAINEiacs host Ricky Craven Charities Night". OurSportsCentral. October 7, 2004. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- O'Brien, Dan (April 14, 2005). "VIP Parts, Tires and Service to christen Billerica site". Lowell Sun. Lowell, Massachusetts. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
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