Motorcar Parts of America was founded by automotive entrepreneur Mel Marks in 1968 as a full-line European and Japanese replacement parts importer. Originally intended to serve a growing network of independently owned and operated auto parts retailers, the business rapidly expanded into mass-merchandising by providing ignition parts and wire sets to retail chain stores. Responding to an increasing demand for replacement starters and alternators, MPA acquired one of its exclusive suppliers in 1985 and began focusing on becoming the North American industry leader in remanufactured alternators and starters. After several decades on the East Coast, MPA relocated its headquarters from Plainview, New York to a newer, more modern manufacturing facility in Santa Fe Springs, California. It was at this time that MPA streamlined its catalog, concentrating on producing and distributing top-quality starters, alternators, ignition parts and ignition wire sets. By 1993, thanks to a combination of aggressive marketing efforts and superior customer retention initiatives, MPA was able to triple its domestic production space — necessitating a move to a larger, more modern facility in Torrance, California. The following year MPA became a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ Index (ticker symbol: MPAA). Since then, MPA has successfully completed two stock offerings — one in 1995 and another in 1997.

Having successfully expanded through the acquisition of several significant customers, MPA is currently positioned for substantial ongoing growth, and for continuous improvement in regard to the processes, products and services it provides for customers. In 2003, to better reflect its role as one of the leading North American providers of aftermarket automotive components, MPA changed its name from Motorcar Parts & Accessories, Inc. to Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. This reaffirmation of the company’s core mission as an industry leader in best-in-class starters and alternators was exemplified in the launch of the Quality-Built brand of starters and alternators — designed to meet the needs of professional installers. With the opening of additional facilities in the United States, Mexico, Malaysia and Singapore, MPA has expanded its annual production capacity to over 8.8 million units. In the process, the company has solidified its standing among the preeminent North American producers of rotating electricals, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a truly global expansion. Today, the American Dream first envisioned by Mel Marks in 1968 is alive and well. MPA is widely acknowledged as being among the top names in new and remanufactured starters, alternators and other top-quality aftermarket components.