Affinia South American Distribution Subsidiary Receives Top Honors

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Pellegrino, Affinia Group's South American commercial distribution subsidiary, won 14 of 26 "best of" category designations in an industry survey conducted recently by Novo Meio, a leading trade publishing company in Brazil. Included in Pellegrino's honors was the designation "Best Overall."

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"Novo Meio's Biggest and the Best in Automotive Parts Distribution Awards are coveted by everyone in Brazil because this recognition comes from the retailers themselves," said Jorge C. Schertel, Vice President and General Manager, Affinia South America.  "Our strong showing in the competition this year validates the hard work, dedication and talent of our Pellegrino team."

"South America and Brazil in particular are very significant to Affinia as emerging growth markets," said Terry McComack, President and CEO of Affinia Group. "We are fortunate to have an incredibly strong distribution business in Pellegrino, led by Antonio Carlos de Paula, General Manager.  Pellegrino has a great reputation in the retail and wholesale markets in Brazil, and we look forward to using this expertise to grow the heavy duty and motorcycle business."

In the annual survey of the top 500 retail stores in Brazil, Pellegrino was named "best of" in the following 14 categories: most admired, most developed, faster, salesmen, telemarketing, delivery, customer support, trade policy, warranty policy, retail store support, rear axle & differential components, brake components, clutch components, suspension components and best overall. Pellegrino also placed second in three additional categories.  Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Pellegrino was founded in 1941 and serves the automotive, heavy duty, and motorcycle parts markets.  With 19 locations and growing, Pellegrino is one of the leading distributors of automotive replacements parts in South America.

About Affinia Group

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket parts for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $1.8 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and India. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

SOURCE Affinia Group Inc.