AUTOBACS opened its first store in 1974, just as high economic growth had given individuals the wherewithal to purchase their own cars. At a time when each item of merchandise still had its own distribution channel, customers jumped at the ability to buy everything they needed for their cars at one place and have it installed. With the popularity of such one-stop convenience, AUTOBACS soon embarked on the development of a franchise system that would cover the entire country. AUTOBACS was also a leader in offering private brand merchandise and made a game-changing move in 1977 when it introduced tires and oil under its own brand.

With greater and greater numbers of people owning cars, individuals began to demand that cars meet their own particular needs. It became the norm for consumers to choose the car that best fit their lifestyle, and selections of accessories, navigation systems, and other aftermarket merchandise expanded as a result. AUTOBACS enriched its merchandise offerings from its own unique perspective, steadily growing its business by responding to diversifying customer preferences with lifestyle-oriented merchandise displays and suggestions, and enhanced installation and other repair services, as well. Sales for the entire AUTOBACS Chain topped ¥100 billion for the first time in 1989, the same year AUTOBACS became the first in the industry to publicly list its shares.

With the movement toward scale in retailing as a whole, we began to develop Super AUTOBACS stores to promote the lifestyle benefits of car ownership to everyone from those who had only recently become a car owner, to families, and enthusiasts. With expansive sales floors and service bay areas, Super AUTOBACS stores are designed to appeal to a broader range of customers by offering an even wider merchandise selection, additional attractions such as a CD department and restaurant where customers can get a light meal, and a wide variety of special events. Super AUTOBACS stores, with their prominent entertainment element have been instrumental in impressing upon the large numbers of customers they attract that AUTOBACS is the place to go for greater enjoyment of their automobiles. AUTOBACS made a full-scale entry into the business of performing statutory safety inspections in this period to offer customers comprehensive solutions for their car-related needs.

As maturation of the Japanese economy continues, amid rising consciousness of environmental and energy-conservation needs, downsized eco-friendly vehicles are gaining in popularity and the average service life of cars is rising. The profile of drivers, too, is shifting to include more women and older people. AUTOBACS is responding to these changes by enhancing inspection and maintenance services to let customers feel confident about driving for more years, even if without a keen understanding of technical details, buying and selling cars, and, of course, selling car goods as well. Through these three core businesses, we are transforming ourselves into a comprehensive provider of merchandise and services customers can easily access.