All 3,037 AutoZone Stores Equipped to Provide Free Diagnosis Of Engine Warning Light
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 7, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Drivers now
have one less reason to be in the dark when it comes to a glowing check-engine
light. AutoZone (NYSE: AZO), the nation's leading specialty auto parts retailer,
today launched a "Check-Engine Light" program at all of its 3,037 stores
nationwide, offering free diagnosis of what's causing customers' engine warning
lights to come on -- an estimated 20 million vehicles on any given day.
The purpose of the "check-engine light" is to signal something is malfunctioning
with the vehicle's engine or emissions systems. The vehicle's on-board computer
identifies the problem and now consumers can access that computer information
free by simply stopping by any AutoZone location.
As part of AutoZone's initiative to empower consumers to take on vehicle
maintenance and repair, the Company trained "AutoZoners" in every store to
administer the diagnostics test. AutoZone's "Check-Engine Light" program debuts
with a national radio advertising campaign.
Commenting on the launch of this program, Steve Odland, AutoZone's Chairman,
President and CEO, said, "Industry research has identified $60 billion in
necessary maintenance that goes unperformed on cars, SUVs and light trucks each
year, which reduces safety, reduces vehicle life and increases emissions.
AutoZone is committed to helping our customers to drive better maintained and
safer vehicles, and this free service is another example of how we help our
customers to make sure their vehicles are performing properly."
"Research indicates many consumers are mystified when the check engine light
comes on and many just simply choose to ignore it," Odland said. "They are
afraid it indicates big problems and big repair costs. While some problems may
be complex and require the assistance of a professional installer, there are
also many relatively simple and inexpensive reasons why the check-engine light
is on. "
"Knowledge is power and this program gives our customers the vital information
to make sure their vehicles are performing properly," Odland said. "At AutoZone,
our goal is to help customers gain a greater understanding and control of their
vehicle maintenance needs."
About AutoZone
As of Feb. 9, 2002, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and
accessories through 3,037 AutoZone stores in 44 states plus the District of
Columbia in the U.S. and 23 AutoZone stores in Mexico, and automotive diagnostic
and repair software through ALLDATA, diagnostic and repair information through
alldatadiy.com, and auto and light truck parts through AutoZone.com. AutoZone
stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and is included in the Standard &
Poor's 500 Index.
SOURCE AutoZone, Inc.
CONTACT: media, Ray Pohlman, +1-901-495-7962, or
ray.pohlman@autozone.com, or financial, Jay Cook, +1-901-495-7005, or
jay.cook@autozone.com, both of AutoZone, Inc.