Transamerican Auto Parts…

For more than 50 years, Transamerican Auto Parts (“TAP”) has been an industry leader in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of off-road parts for Jeeps and light trucks. TAP has numerous entities serving various niches in the automotive aftermarket under its corporate umbrella. From 4 Wheel Parts to Transamerican Wholesale, TAP subsidiaries provide the best parts and services for the customer at the most competitive prices.

Since 1961, TAP has grown with the popularity of off-roading. The company began by supplying Jeep parts to local dealers and independent service centers that catered to 4×4 enthusiasts. The original company did not deal directly with the consumer at first, but as the company grew, so did its focus. In the ensuing decades, TAP established and acquired industry leading brands, including Pro Comp, Smittybilt, Rubicon Express, and G2 Axle & Gear. The company also launched Off-Road Adventures, a magazine for off-road enthusiasts.

TAP conducts business through a three-pronged sales, service, and manufacturing paradigm. The company supplements a robust mail-order system with 55 brick-and-mortar retail centers, staffed with experienced product and installation specialists. In addition to the retail initiative, TAP has accelerated its business with the e-commerce marketplace. Led by its flagship Websites 4WheelParts.com and 4WD.com, TAP’s 22 consumer-oriented sites have collectively grown beyond 2.6 million visitors each month. The TAP e-commerce network facilitates consumer sales, service, and support. TAP’s manufacturing system features a 100,000 square foot research and production facility that incorporates an in-house conceptualization, design, and implementation process. From the beginning, TAP has dedicated its resources to serving its customers, and to establishing itself as the premier supplier and distributor of high quality automotive parts.

  • 1961Founded in 1961 as a source for Jeep replacement parts
  • 1964Start of mail order operations
  • 1981Opened first standalone retail location under 4Wheel Parts name
  • 1982Founded G2 Axle & Gear
  • 1985Founded Pro Comp
  • 2002Launched Truckfest Event
  • 2003Dealer Services Intl. Founded
  • 2006Acquisition of 4WD Hardware and Smittybilt
  • 2007Opened 55th Retail Store
  • 2011Acquired Rubicon Express
  • 2012Continuing plans to grow & develop Transamerican

Business Segments

Retail Stores

  • 55 retail stores to serve walk-in customers in 17 states across the country
  • Established as the industry leader in sale and distribution of aftermarket parts for Jeep and light truck markets
  • Each retail store includes a full service installation and maintenance center
  • The next 4 Wheel Parts location will be adjacent to the 4Wheel Drive Hardware distribution center in Columbiana, Ohio

E-Commerce

  • Network of 22 consumer-oriented Websites receives 2.6 million unique visitors per month
  • More than 200 brands, including TAP-owned entities, sold through online properties
  • Each of 22 Websites tailored to specific niches of the automotive marketplace, from grab handles and gears to winches and wheels

Mail-Order

  • Led by a 300-page catalog of Jeep parts and accessories, with a print production run of more than 500,000 copies each quarter
  • Includes the production and distribution of Off-Road Adventures, an off-roading magazine with 330,000 subscribers and an annual print run of 3 million copies distributed through 12 monthly issues

Wholesale

Transamerican Wholesale

National Wholesale Distribution

  • National distribution to more than 5,000 customers, including retailers and automotive service centers
  • Wholesale network comprised of 5 distribution centers and 12 cross-dock locations across the country
  • Wholesale inventory stocks more than 60,000 SKUs from four company owned brands, as well as 200 other brands

Dealer Services International

Dealer Direct DIFM

Off-Road Vehicle Packages

  • Supplies parts and services to more than 500 participating automotive dealerships
  • Employs a sales team of 30 professional representatives to serve dealers in the areas surrounding retail centers
  • Sells and distributes parts and accessories to the parts departments of participating dealers

Brands

Pro Comp

  • TAP established Pro Comp in 1985 to supply wheels, tires, and suspension equipment
  • Pro Comp is situated as the industry leading supplier of radial tires for light trucks, custom wheels and upgraded suspension systems for Jeeps and trucks of all makes and models
  • Pro Comp was the primary manufacturer of suspension and bumper components during the Ram Runner project

Smittybilt

  • TAP acquired Smittybilt, a manufacturer of off-road parts and accessories for Jeeps and trucks, in 2006
  • Smittybilt has been manufacturing aftermarket off-road equipment, including bumpers, winches, and storage solutions, for more than 50 years
  • Smittybilt offers an extensive inventory of body armor, recovery gear, auxiliary lighting systems, and other accessories

Rubicon Express

  • TAP acquired Rubicon Express, a company with heritage tracing back to California’s famed Rubicon Trail, in 2011
  • Rubicon Express is a leading manufacturer of suspension components, complete suspension kits, shocks, and hardware
  • With more than 15 years in business, Rubicon Express provides complete off-road suspension kits exclusively for Jeeps

G2 Axle & Gear

  • TAP established G2 Axle & Gear in 1982 as the premier supplier of drivetrain and differential components for performance-minded enthusiasts
  • The heart of G2’s product line is a complete, bolt-in differential assembly utilizing Chrysler’s Dana 44 housing that simplifies assembly and installation for the consumer
  • G2 also offers an extensive inventory of axles, axle kits, axle assemblies, differential covers, ring and pinion sets, and installation kits