Bumper to Bumper traces its roots back to the earliest days of program groups in the automotive aftermarket. It was founded in 1972 by Martin G. (Marty) Brown in Kansas City, MO. Such “programmed distribution” groups centered around common identification and consumer advertising to compete more effectively with mass merchandisers, chain stores and other aftermarket parts and service providers. Bolstered by aggressive and creative advertising and promotional programs, Bumper to Bumper established itself as one of the preeminent identity programs with distributor affiliates coast to coast in the United States, Mexico and Canada. In 2000 Bumper to Bumper merged with Auto Value to form the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. From its inception, the Alliance became the largest group of independently-owned warehouse distributors affiliated as a single program group. Today, the group goes to market under both the Bumper to Bumper and Auto Value brands.