NAPA has officially launched the NexDrive banner in Canada, a network of automotive service centres for next generation vehicles.

Considering the growth of the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle market over the past few years, the time is right for NAPA to enter this promising segment and solidify its market leading position.

The official launch announcement was made at the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show on April 22, “Earth Day.”

A brand already firmly established in Europe 

NexDrive was created in Benelux, at the initiative of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a leading distributor of car and truck parts in Europe and, like UAP, a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (GPC).

The network has been in existence since 2020 and already has over 100 service centres. The banner is now coming to Canada and will be supported by NAPA’s strong network of stores and distribution centres.

“We are very proud to be the first to offer owners of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles a network of certified shops that will be able to meet their maintenance and repair needs,” said Alain Masse, president of UAP.

“The growing consumer interest in such vehicles as well as government efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are helping to accelerate the shift to these new technologies, and we believe that our position as Canada’s aftermarket leader will allow us to offer a quality alternative to original equipment dealerships.”

NexDrive certification

A specific set of criteria is required for any mechanic shop to achieve NexDrive certification, including accredited technical training, specialized equipment and tools, adherence to strict safety standards, regular audits, and sourcing parts from a certified NAPA store.

Currently, 11 shops in the NAPA network are NexDrive-certified in Quebec and 13 others are in the process of obtaining certification.

New shops will gradually be added to the banner in the coming weeks and months.

The NexDrive program builds on the Mécanique Haute Tension (MHT) program launched in 2020 by Alain and Mathieu Côté, owners of several NAPA Auto Parts stores in the Quebec City area.

“Our goal is to offer the best network of specialty service centres for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle repair and maintenance with the full support of the NAPA Auto Parts network,” explained John O’Dowd, Vice President of Marketing, NAPA.

For more information on NexDrive and to see the list of member service centres, visit www.napanexdrive.ca.