Whenever consumers need to complete a simple auto maintenance task, such as replacing windshield wiper blades or an air filter, they just need to go to their local Napa Auto Parts, Auto Zone, or O’Reilly Auto Parts store, purchase the product, and install it.
On some occasions, I have discovered one shop may not have the part, but another probably will.
But on other occasions, when I’m doing auto repairs, a mechanic may not be able to find an auto part locally and it needs to be sent from a manufacturer in maybe Michigan or Ohio, which can take a few days.
The automotive industry has faced serious supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created shortages of auto parts. Unfortunately, the problems did not go away after the pandemic subsided, as supply chain issues and shortages of parts and components continue to drag down the industry.
Issues that have created parts and component shortages include material shortages, labor shortages, port congestion, geopolitical uncertainty, and the increased development of electric vehicles, reported Supply Chain World.
Supply challenges contributed to economic issues for the auto parts industry in 2025, as some suppliers needed to file for bankruptcy protection or, in some cases, reduce operations.
Global auto parts giant Marelli Holdings Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 11, listing $4.9 billion in funded debt, with plans to turn the company over to its senior lenders.
The debtor blamed its distress on the effects of the Covid pandemic and post-pandemic market challenges and headwinds, including supply chain challenges, labor shortages, high costs, inflation, rising raw material prices, and declining customer volumes. Also fix the fees.
Another huge auto parts company First Brands Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 25 with about $6 billion in debt.
First Brands makes auto parts products, such as Michelin licensed wiper blades, Raybestos complete brake solutions, Centric Parts replacement brake components, StopTech performance brakes, Fram filtration products, AirTex and Carter fuel and water pumps, Autolite spark plugs, Lube-finer filtration products, trico wiper blades Anco wiper blades, Carson brake new parts replacement, andufacture.
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Michelin licensed wiper blades
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Complete Raybestos brake solutions
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Centric Parts replacement brake components
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StopTech performance brakes
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Fram filtration products
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AirTex and Carter fuel and water pumps
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Autolite spark plugs
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Lub-fin filtration products
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Trico wiper blades
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Also a wiper blades
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Carson brake hardware
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New and remanufactured Cardone replacement parts
Another major supplier of auto parts and components is not filing for bankruptcy, but is closing a major facility.
Cooper Standard Automotive Inc., a leading supplier of automotive products for sealing, fluid handling, and specialty rubber and plastic components, will close its New Lexington, Ohio, manufacturing plant and lay off approximately 228 employees, the company disclosed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter sent to Ohio state officials.
The subsidiary of Northville, Mich.-based Cooper Standard. issued the letter Dec. 8 to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that the layoffs will begin on Feb. 6, 2026, and continue to lay off workers until the New Lexington plant closes around July 1, 2027.
“Cooper Standard is continuously analyzing plant utilization and looking for opportunities to optimize our manufacturing footprint and overall operational efficiency,” the letter said.
“As a result, the company has made the difficult decision to close our New Lexington, Ohio Facility,” the letter continued.
Cooper Standard will notify the United Auto Workers Local 1686 of affected employees 60 days or more before their last day of employment, according to the WARN letter.
Bargaining rights, which allow senior employees whose jobs are eliminated to take positions from less senior employees to maintain employment at a company, exist under the collective bargaining agreement between Cooper Standard and UAW Local 1686.
Also, hourly and salaried employees will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other Cooper Standard facilities, based on certain eligibility requirements, the letter said.
The company currently employs 193 hourly workers and 35 salaried workers.
More closures:
Cooper Standard is a global leader in providing advanced sealing and fluid handling systems for transportation markets including automotive, truck and bus, mass transit, electrification, and recreational vehicles, such as mobile RVs, marine and powersports.
The company’s automotive products include fuel and brake delivery systems, fluid transfer systems, custom rubber and plastic seals, spliced O-rings/corners, custom molded profiles, die-cut, rubber-to-metal bonding, overmolding, molded details, dual and tri-durometer seals, clip-on seals, push-pin solutions, and isolation and dampening of vibration.
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Fuel delivery and brake systems
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Fluid transfer systems
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Custom rubber and plastic seals
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Spliced O-rings/corners
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Custom shaped profiles
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Die cut
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Bonding rubber to metal
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Overmolding
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Molded details
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Double seals and tri-durometer
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Clip-on seals
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Push-pin solutions
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Vibration isolation and damping
It also provides products for industrial and consumer goods, such as appliances, electronics, renewable energy, food service, point of purchase, enclosures, and heavy equipment, such as agricultural and construction uses.
Cooper Standard also provides building and construction products for HVAC, windows and doors, and lighting.
The company, established in 1960, employs a total of 22,000 workers in 20 countries.
Related: Popular furniture store brand closes, no bankruptcy
This story was originally published by TheStreet on December 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.