loader image

AUTOBACS

Follow Us On:

Autobacs History

Our History

In 1947, AUTOBACS began as a private auto parts store. To our founder Toshio Sumino, reliable car maintenance meant that a car must be in the best condition at all times. This belief is our foundation and what we still hold true. AUTOBACS – the letters in our name represent the core of our business: Appeal, Unique, Tires, Oil, Batteries, Accessories, Car audio, and Services. We invite you discover the history of AUTOBACS together with us from our humble roots to a multinational company with over 600 stores worldwide.

Founded by the late Toshio in Osaka as Suehiro Shokai.

Founded by the late Toshio Sumino in Osaka as Suehiro Shokai, a privately owned auto parts company.

1947
Reorganized into a privately owned wholesaler of automobile parts.

Reorganized into a joint stock company, wholesaling auto parts.

1948
history-03

Established Daiho Sangyo Co., Ltd. as an independent wholesale department.

1958
Opened its first store, Fuji Drive Shop.

Opened its first store, Fuji Drive Shop.

1960
First foray into professional motorsports

First foray into professional motorsports, developing a partnership with the Carman Apache racing car at the 1969 Japanese Grand Prix.

1969
history-06

AUTOBACS opens its first directly managed one-stop speciality store for automotive goods in Osaka, the first of its kind in Japan.

1974
history-07

Develops its franchise business system, opening its very first franchise, Hakodate Nakamichi store.

1975
Releases the first AUTOBACS branded tires, motor oil, and batteries

Releases the first AUTOBACS branded tires, motor oil, and batteries.

1977
AUTOBACS Yagi store

Celebrates the opening of its 100th store, AUTOBACS Yagi store.

1979
autobacs-logo-svg

Changed the company name to AUTOBACS SEVEN Co., Ltd.

1980
AUTOBACS Tezukayama store

Grand unveiling of its 200th store, AUTOBACS Tezukayama store.

1983
AUTOBACS Atsubetsu East store

Expands to 300 stores with the opening of AUTOBACS Atsubetsu East store.

1985
autobacs-logo-svg

Establishment of AUTOBACS International Hong Kong, the brand's first foray overseas.

1986
Completes its expansion across Japan

Completes its expansion across Japan by crowning its first store in Okinawa prefecture, the last prefecture to receive the AUTOBACS brand.

1987
AUTOBACS Shilin in Taiwan

Unveiling AUTOBACS Shilin in Taiwan, marking the brand's second expansion into international markets.

1991
AUTOBACS East Nasu store

AUTOBACS West Nasuno store opens, bringing the total number of AUTOBACS stores to 400.

1992
Autobacs Logo

Establishment of AUTOBACS Venture Singapore Pte Ltd., opening its first Paya Lebar Store in the country.

1995
AUTOBACS Hamada store

Opening of AUTOBACS Hamada store, the 500th store operating under the AUTOBACS name.

1996
AUTOBACS store in Chiba prefecture

Grand unveiling of the first Super AUTOBACS store in Chiba prefecture, a new store format designed to encompass all aspects of motor life.

1997
AUTOBACS Sathon store

Expansion into Thailand, opening AUTOBACS Sathon store.

2000
AUTOBACS Herblay in France

Opening of AUTOBACS Herblay in France marks the company's first foothold in Europe.

2001
AUTOBACS designed and produced Garaiya sports car

Released the Garaiya, the first AUTOBACS designed and produced sports car.

2001
AUTOBACS Express store in Kanagawa prefecture

Unveiling of the first AUTOBACS Express store in Kanagawa prefecture, a two-in-one gas station and automotive store.

2002
Super AUTOBACS Beach & 22

Penetration into the US market, with the unveiling of Super AUTOBACS Beach & 22.

2003
AUTOBACS Shen Zhuang

Opening of the first store in China, AUTOBACS Shen Zhuang.

2004
history-24

Relocation AUTOBACS SEVEN Co., Ltd. to its current headquarters in Toyosu.

2004
AUTOBACS Hashiriya Tengoku Selohan Ichiba

First foray into the used car market, opening the AUTOBACS Hashiriya Tengoku Secohan Ichiba.

2006
AUTOBACS Klang Sentral store in Malaysia

AUTOBACS continues its growth overseas, opening the AUTOBACS Klang Sentral store in Malaysia.

2012
AUTOBACS A.R. Hakim store

Opened its first store in Indonesia, AUTOBACS A.R. Hakim store.

2015
Launch of the AQ (AUTOBACS Quality) brand

Launch of the AQ (AUTOBACS Quality) brand, increasing the range of quality products that it can provide its customers.

2014
Official BMW/MINI dealer business started in Tokyo

Official BMW/MINI dealer business started in Tokyo.

2015
Autobacs Logo

Established a business partnership in the Philippines.

2016
Opened the first Smart+1 store that specializes in washing and coating for cars in Ibaraki and Osaka prefectures.

Opened the first Smart+1 store that specializes in washing and coating for cars in Ibaraki and Osaka prefectures.

2017
Creation of the JACK & MARIE car lifestyle brand and AUTOBACS GARAGE, concept stores designed to promote a new way of car-life.

Creation of the JACK & MARIE car lifestyle brand and AUTOBACS GARAGE, concept stores designed to promote a new way of car-life.

2017
Establishment of AUTOBACS Mini, dedicated to statutory safety inspections.

Establishment of AUTOBACS Mini, dedicated to statutory safety inspections.

2017
Opening of the first JACK & MARIE store, a car lifestyle brand designed to promote a new way of car-life.

Opening of the first JACK & MARIE store, a car lifestyle brand designed to promote a new way of car-life.

2018
Grand unveiling of the flaghship A PIT AUTOBACS Shinonome, the Mecca for all automotive needs.

Grand unveiling of the flagship A PIT AUTOBACS Shinonome, the Mecca for all automotive needs.

2018
PIT in Kyoto

Opening of the second A PIT in Kyoto, a destination spot designed to revolutionize auto-life.

2022

What Moves You.