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ACDelco
ACDelco
from Wikipedia

ACDelco is an American automotive parts brand owned by General Motors, which also offers aftermarket parts for non-GM vehicles. Over its long history it has been known by various names such as United Motors Corporation, United Motors Service, and United Delco. The brand "ACDelco" should not be confused with GM's former AC Delco Systems, formed in 1994 from the merger of AC Rochester Division and Delco Remy Division. In 1995 Delphi Automotive Systems absorbed AC Delco Systems.

Key Information

History

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United Motors Corporation was formed by William C. Durant in 1916 as an automotive component and accessory holding company. Durant was the owner of Buick and founder of General Motors in 1908. After he lost control of General Motors in 1910, he founded Chevrolet in 1911 with Louis Chevrolet and the profits from this permitted him to regain control of GM in 1916. At approximately the same time, he assembled United Motors.

Durant's founding of United Motors has parallels in his earlier experience in the horse-drawn carriage industry in Michigan. In the late 19th century he was co-owner of the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, one of the nation's leading carriage manufacturers. Concerned that they could not source components and raw materials at affordable prices or in sufficient quantities, Durant-Dort created a vertically-integrated operation owning hardwood forests and manufacturing its own bodies, wheels, axles, upholstery, springs, varnish and whips.[1]

United Motors initially included Alfred P. Sloan's Hyatt Roller Bearing Company (antifriction roller bearings), New Departure Manufacturing Company (ball bearings), Remy Electric Company (electrical starting, lighting, and ignition equipment), Charles Kettering and Edward A. Deeds' Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO automotive ignition, starters and generators), and the Perlman Rim Corporation.

Durant appointed Alfred P. Sloan, who had been president of Hyatt, as president of United Motors. In the next two years, Sloan bought the Harrison Radiator Corporation, Lovell-McConnell Manufacturing Company (renamed Klaxon company to make Klaxon horns) in September 1916,[2] and organized United Motors Service to sell and service the entire line of products nationwide.

General Motors – United Motors Service

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United Motors was originally independent of General Motors, selling to all manufacturers until 1918, when the company was acquired by General Motors for $45 million (three quarters debentures and one quarter common shares)[3] and integrated into GM on December 31, 1918.[3]

United Motors became United Motors Service and continued to operate essentially as it had before. However, all of its production was now devoted to GM's brands. Alfred P. Sloan continued as the division manager, which carried with it a GM vice-president title and a position on the GM board. In 1923 he became President of General Motors and was Chairman when he retired in 1956.[4] Charles Kettering, co-founder of Delco, was head of research at General Motors for 27 years. Herbert C. Harrison was President of Harrison Radiator until his death in 1927.[5] William C. Durant lost control of GM for the final time in 1920.

United Motors Service would become a fully integrated division of General Motors in 1944.[6]

United Delco

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Around 1960, the division's name was changed to United Delco. With the Delco name becoming more well known with consumers, the “Delco” name was incorporated into all of the division's branches (Delco Remy, Delco Harrison, Delco Packard (Packard Electric), Delco Moraine).[7] A red and blue semicircular logo was implemented, designed by Lance Wyman (who would later famously design the graphic identity for the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, among other projects).

AC Spark Plug Division

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Billboard for AC spark plugs in Vancouver circa 1926

In 1899, Albert Champion came to the U.S. as a champion bicycle racer. He found a job with the Stranahan brothers, who had started Champion Spark Plug Company in 1905 or 1906 and began production in 1907. Champion was not happy in his job because he had no control over his work. He already had at least one spark plug patent (from 1898) before leaving Europe. In 1908, he went to see William C. Durant of the Buick Motor Co. Durant asked to see some of his prototypes. Buick at that time was using Rajah spark plugs. Durant thought they could manufacture spark plugs to Champion's design cheaper than buying them from Rajah, and set Champion up in a workshop in Flint, Michigan as part of the budding auto industry there.[citation needed]

Champion went to work producing spark plugs to be used in Buick automobiles. Champion and Durant formed "Champion Ignition Co." Very shortly later, the Stranahan brothers ("Champion Spark Plug Co.") informed them they could not use the name "Champion" as they had it trademarked. At that time the name was changed to reflect Champion's initials. "AC Spark Plug" was trademarked in 1908. In 1927 AC became a division of General Motors.[citation needed]

Old GM AC-Delco ad on the side of a building in Ritzville, Washington, U.S.

AC-Delco

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In 1974, in an effort to streamline its operations and marketing, General Motors merged AC Spark Plug's aftersales operation with United Delco to create the new AC-Delco (Albert Champion Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company.) AC-Delco then marketed various AC and Delco-branded products.[6][7]

ACDelco

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1995 saw a re-branding of AC-Delco. The hyphen was dropped and ACDelco received a new logo and marketing initiative. The "AC" bullseye and semicircular Delco logo disappeared from product packaging.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
ACDelco is an American automotive parts brand owned by (GM), serving as the exclusive provider of original equipment (OE) parts for GM vehicles including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and , while also offering premium aftermarket parts for non-GM vehicles worldwide. Established with roots tracing back to the early alongside GM's founding in , ACDelco has evolved into a global leader in the automotive spare-parts industry, emphasizing innovation, quality, and rigorous testing to meet or exceed OEM specifications. The brand's history began with the AC Spark Plug Company, founded in 1899 by Albert Champion, which merged with Delco (Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company) under GM in the , officially forming ACDelco as a unified parts division by 1916. Key milestones include powering Lindbergh's 1927 and Amelia Earhart's 1932 solo crossing with its spark plugs, supplying components for Allied forces during , and contributing to NASA's in the 1960s through inertial guidance systems and parts. In 1974, GM fully merged AC Spark Plug with United Delco to create the modern AC-Delco structure, and by 2016, the brand marked its centennial of aftermarket leadership with a portfolio exceeding 90,000 parts distributed through over 10,000 global networks. ACDelco's product lineup is divided into GM OE parts for maintenance, repair, powertrain, and collision needs, alongside aftermarket Gold and Silver lines that cover approximately 80% of light vehicle repair and maintenance requirements across most makes and models. Innovations include pioneering lead-calcium battery plates for maintenance-free in the 1970s and expanding into categories like drive shafts (introduced in 1997), batteries (2001), and lubricants (2002), with a focus on durability for demanding conditions in automotive, off-road, marine, and industrial applications. Today, ACDelco supports millions of new GM vehicles annually and maintains a strong global presence, including entry into markets like in 1997, backed by extensive technical training and distribution partnerships. In May 2025, a lawsuit was filed against GM alleging that certain ACDelco parts are falsely advertised as "Made in the " despite being manufactured abroad.

History

Origins of AC Spark Plug and Delco

The AC Spark Plug Company traces its origins to the entrepreneurial efforts of Albert Champion, a French-born bicycle racer and inventor who immigrated to the in 1899. In 1905, Champion established the Albert Champion Company in Boston, Massachusetts, initially focused on importing French electrical components and manufacturing porcelain-insulated spark plugs designed to withstand moisture and high temperatures in early automotive applications. By 1908, at the invitation of , founder of , Champion relocated operations to , where he incorporated the Champion Ignition Company—later renamed AC Spark Plug—to supply reliable ignition systems and spark plugs tailored for the burgeoning automobile industry, particularly for vehicles. These early products emphasized durable ceramic insulators and threaded metal shells to ensure consistent electrical performance in internal combustion engines, marking a shift from rudimentary magneto-based ignitions to more efficient spark-generated systems. Independently, the Delco company emerged from the innovative work of Charles F. Kettering, an engineer previously employed at the National Cash Register Company. In 1909, Kettering co-founded the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (Delco) in Dayton, Ohio, with businessman Edward A. Deeds, aiming to develop electrical solutions for automobiles beyond the limitations of hand-cranking. A pivotal breakthrough came in 1911 when Kettering invented the electric self-starter motor, adapting a compact, high-torque mechanism originally derived from cash register motors to crank internal combustion engines reliably without manual effort. This innovation expanded Delco's portfolio to include automotive electrical components such as generators and storage batteries, addressing the era's challenges with unreliable starting methods and poor cold-weather performance. Among Delco's key early products was the Delco-Light generator system, introduced in 1916 to provide off-grid for rural homes and farms. This self-contained unit featured a small gasoline coupled to a 32-volt DC generator and battery bank, capable of powering up to 15 bulbs or basic appliances, and automatically starting when batteries needed recharging. Complementing this, AC Spark Plug's ignition components, including distributors and coils, supported the electrical demands of such systems by delivering precise sparks to initiate . At the core of AC Spark Plug's contributions were foundational principles of spark plug design, which involved a central insulated by heat-resistant ceramics, surrounded by a grounded metal shell with side to create a controlled . This gap—typically optimized between 0.6 and 1.1 millimeters—allowed high-voltage (10-30 kV from the ) to arc across, igniting the compressed air-fuel mixture in the cylinder at the precise moment of peak compression, thereby minimizing energy loss and effects where heat could stifle the flame kernel. For electric starting systems, 's Delco design integrated a flywheel-mounted starter motor with the , using a storage battery to provide initial torque while a maintained charge during operation; was synchronized via a cam-driven that advanced spark delivery relative to position, ensuring efficient without pre- or knock—visualized simply as a rotational cam lobe opening breaker points to induce coil discharge just before top dead center in the compression stroke. These concepts laid the groundwork for reliable automotive , influencing subsequent integrations within larger corporate structures.

Formation of United Motors Service

In 1916, established United Motors Corporation as a of to serve as a consolidating key automotive parts suppliers, thereby enabling and streamlined supply for GM's growing production needs. This move incorporated prominent firms such as AC Spark Plug, which specialized in ignition components, and Delco (Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company), known for electrical systems including batteries and starters, alongside others like Remy Electric and Hyatt Roller Bearing. The formation addressed the inefficiencies of fragmented supplier networks, allowing GM to better support its expanding operations. The entity began marketing AC and Delco products under the combined AC-Delco branding for replacement parts. United Motors maintained a decentralized , preserving the operational autonomy of its subsidiaries while coordinating under GM's oversight; for instance, AC Spark Plug continued focusing on spark plugs and ignition parts, whereas Delco concentrated on batteries, starters, and related electrical equipment. This approach facilitated specialized expertise and rapid scaling. During , United Motors played a crucial role in bolstering GM's contributions to the war effort, supplying essential ignition and electrical components for military vehicles, including trucks that exceeded 15,000 units produced by GM for Allied forces. To further broaden its portfolio, United Motors acquired additional suppliers in 1917, notably Harrison Radiator, which enhanced capabilities in cooling systems and supported the demand for robust parts in both civilian and applications. This expansion solidified the company's position as a vital backbone for GM's wartime production. The entity later evolved into United Delco in through further consolidation.

Creation of United Delco

In 1918, following ' acquisition of United Motors Corporation, the organization was restructured and renamed United Delco to highlight the central partnership between AC Spark Plug and Delco components while streamlining the branding for automotive parts production. This reorganization capitalized on the post-World War I automotive boom, integrating operations to enhance efficiency in electrical systems and ignition parts essential for expanding vehicle production. To meet surging demand for ' Chevrolet and models, United Delco expanded its facilities in —home to Delco's core operations—and , where AC Spark Plug was based. These expansions significantly boosted output of electrical and ignition components, supporting GM's rapid growth in the mass-market automobile sector, reflecting the division's pivotal role in the burgeoning . A key innovation came in 1919 with the introduction of standardized battery designs utilizing lead-acid technology, featuring an composition of diluted to achieve optimal performance and reliability in automotive applications. This standardization improved consistency and durability for vehicle starting systems.

Establishment of AC-Delco Division

In 1929, General Motors fully acquired the remaining stock of the AC Spark Plug Division from the Champion estate, further integrating its ignition expertise with Delco's advancements in electrical systems to streamline parts distribution and innovation within the aftermarket organization established in 1916. This built on the earlier United Motors Service structure, which had already begun marketing AC and Delco products under the combined AC-Delco branding for replacement parts amid GM's rapid expansion in the automotive sector. Key product developments during this period included the launch of advanced designs by AC Spark Plug in 1925, enhancing engine performance through improved electrode configurations. AC spark plugs notably powered Charles Lindbergh's 1927 and Amelia Earhart's 1932 solo . Additionally, the introduction of automotive radio components in 1929 by Delco, such as the Automotive 3002 model featuring basic antenna integration for in-car use, first installed in vehicles like . These innovations positioned the division to address emerging needs in vehicle and entertainment, combining AC's combustion efficiency with Delco's electrical reliability. In the , the AC-Delco Division expanded its market role by supplying replacement parts for non-GM vehicles, leveraging established distribution networks to build an early aftermarket presence beyond OEM applications and fostering broader industry adoption. Notable advancements included several patents for improved ignition coils, such as U.S. 1,883,905 granted in to Delco-Remy Corporation, which detailed enhanced wire winding techniques for better insulation and resistance without compromising performance. These developments underscored the division's focus on durable electrical components essential for reliable vehicle operation during the era's growing automotive fleet.

Rebranding and Modernization as ACDelco

In the lead-up to and during , the AC Spark Plug and Delco divisions ramped up production to support the Allied war effort, manufacturing millions of spark plugs for aircraft engines and batteries for military vehicles and U.S. Navy planes, with output peaking to meet surging demands by 1944. These components were critical for powering fighters, bombers, and ground transport, contributing to the overall wartime mobilization of facilities. Following the war, the divisions experienced robust growth and diversification into parts in the to cater to expanding commercial and heavy-duty vehicle markets, including contributions to NASA's in the 1960s through inertial guidance systems and parts. By 1960, expansion into international markets accelerated through ' subsidiaries in and , enabling broader distribution of parts and establishing a foothold in global aftermarket and OEM supply chains. This period marked a shift toward modernization, emphasizing streamlined branding and diversified product lines to align with postwar automotive advancements. A pivotal modernization step occurred in 1974 when merged the AC Sales Division and United Delco Division to form the AC-Delco Division, consolidating resources under a single operational and marketing umbrella for enhanced efficiency and brand coherence. In the same decade, diversification into components advanced with the creation of the Delco Air Division in 1975, focusing on innovative compressor designs like the A-6 , which incorporated a cycling clutch mechanism to optimize flow and improve energy efficiency in GM vehicles. These developments reflected a strategic push toward integrated automotive systems. The culmination of these efforts came in 1995 with the official to ACDelco, eliminating the hyphen from AC-Delco and introducing a refreshed and to project a unified, contemporary identity while maintaining ties to its heritage. This solidified ACDelco's position as a global leader in original equipment and aftermarket parts, adapting to evolving industry standards through the late .

Products and Brands

GM Original Equipment Parts

GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco Original Equipment represent the core of ACDelco's (OEM) offerings, consisting of components installed during the production of new vehicles or rigorously validated to meet GM's exact engineering specifications for Chevrolet, , GMC, and models. These parts ensure seamless integration with GM vehicle architectures, providing the same performance, fit, and durability as factory-installed components to maintain vehicle safety and reliability from assembly through the vehicle's lifecycle. Key categories within ACDelco's GM Original Equipment Parts include , filters, and batteries, each designed to uphold GM's performance benchmarks. For , ceramic pads feature integrally molded friction materials to the backing plate, ensuring superior bond and resistance to under high-heat conditions, complemented by premium shims, slots, and chamfers that minimize during operation. Oil and air filters provide essential protection, with oil filters achieving 98% multi-pass efficiency at 25-30 microns to capture contaminants effectively while withstanding five times the standard burst pressure for extended durability. Air filters, including cabin variants, trap particles down to 2.5 microns through triple-layer , safeguarding air and interior environments in GM vehicles. Batteries incorporate Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology, where electrolyte is fully absorbed into a glass mat separator for 100% spill-proof operation, delivering up to twice the power and three times the cycle life of conventional flooded batteries to support high-electrical-load GM applications. Certification processes for these parts emphasize compliance with SAE and ISO standards, involving rigorous testing for durability and performance. Components like brake drums use G3000 SAE-qualified for structural integrity, undergoing environmental simulations, tests, and load cycling to replicate real-world stresses over the vehicle's expected lifespan. Overall, ACDelco parts meet or exceed ISO 9001 and relevant SAE automotive specifications, with validation protocols including accelerated aging, thermal cycling, and material fatigue assessments to confirm reliability in GM production environments. The evolution of ACDelco's OEM parts traces back to the innovations of Delco, which pioneered electric starters under Charles Kettering, introducing the first practical self-starting system for internal combustion engines in 1911 and transforming vehicle usability. This foundation expanded into comprehensive electrical systems, including generators and batteries, before advancing to modern (EV) components such as high-voltage connectors and propulsion elements, as seen in Delco-Remy's early EV development efforts that influenced today's GM electrified platforms.

Professional and Aftermarket Lines

ACDelco's aftermarket offerings are divided into two primary tiers designed for different user needs: the Gold line (formerly known as the line) and the Silver line (formerly known as the Advantage line), as part of ' 2020 rebranding and packaging update. The Gold line targets technicians and provides high-quality replacement parts engineered as premium alternatives to original equipment, covering a wide range of GM and non-GM vehicles with precise fit and function. These parts include advanced diagnostic sensors such as oxygen sensors and mass airflow sensors, which ensure accurate vehicle performance monitoring and feedback. In contrast, the Silver line offers cost-effective, high-value options suitable for do-it-yourself enthusiasts, maintaining compatibility across most makes and models while prioritizing affordability without compromising essential performance. Both tiers extend to universal applications, including wiper blades constructed with corrosion-resistant metal frames and elements for all-weather durability, serpentine belts made from temperature- and crack-resistant to resist degradation from ozone and acids, and suspension components such as parts that support vehicle stability. Warranty coverage enhances the reliability of these lines, with lifetime limited warranties available on select Gold items like belts, hoses, and chassis components for the original purchaser, subject to proper installation and maintenance. Additionally, both tiers integrate with General Motors' Service Information System through the ACDelco Technical Delivery System (TDS), providing technicians access to diagnostics, service programming, and repair guidance for efficient aftermarket servicing. As of 2025, ACDelco has expanded its aftermarket portfolio to include hybrid and components, such as charging modules and related EV parts, which were introduced in 2023 catalogs to support the growing demand for electrified vehicle maintenance across GM and compatible non-GM models.

Operations and Global Presence

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

ACDelco's manufacturing operations are integrated within ' global network of facilities, leveraging both legacy sites and modern production centers to produce automotive parts such as s, batteries, and other components. Historically, production was centered in , at the AC Spark Plug Division plant, which played a pivotal role in early 20th-century automotive innovation before evolving into broader GM operations. Battery manufacturing traces its roots to , where the Delco Remy Division established key plants for electrical components, including storage batteries, a tradition that continues through GM's advanced facilities like the Cells plant in , operational since 2022 for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. Internationally, ACDelco expanded production capabilities in the 1990s with sites in , such as the complex for powertrain and component assembly, and in through joint ventures like the plant, supporting localized manufacturing for Asian markets. The model for ACDelco emphasizes just-in-time () inventory practices, deeply integrated with GM's overall to minimize stockholding costs and ensure rapid response to demand from original equipment and aftermarket needs. This approach aligns component deliveries closely with production schedules at GM assembly plants, reducing and enhancing across the network. Components are sourced from certified Tier 1 suppliers, who provide complex assemblies and adhere to stringent quality standards under GM's oversight, as part of a broader involving over 5,700 global suppliers. Sustainability initiatives form a core aspect of ACDelco's manufacturing and supply chain, aligning with GM's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040 and responsible resource use. GM incorporates 35%-55% recycled materials in corrugate packaging through a closed-loop system, contributing to reduced environmental impact while maintaining product integrity. Battery production adheres to lead-free standards where feasible, emphasizing sealed maintenance-free designs and high recyclability; GM recycled over 3,000 metric tons of lithium batteries in 2023, with lead-acid variants like those under ACDelco achieving a 99% U.S. recycling rate to recover lead, plastic, and electrolytes. These efforts extend to supplier engagement, with 71% of direct suppliers signing GM's carbon neutrality pledge and participating in programs like Manufacture 2030 to track and cut emissions. Post-2020 disruptions, including shortages and global strains, prompted ACDelco and GM to implement diversified sourcing strategies, expanding partnerships beyond traditional North American bases while directing suppliers to eliminate China-sourced components by 2027 amid U.S.- tensions. In November 2025, GM instructed thousands of suppliers to scrub their s of parts from . This involved strategic inventory buffers for critical components and enhanced visibility tools, enabling quicker recovery and supporting uninterrupted parts availability for global distribution networks.

Distribution Networks and Partnerships

ACDelco maintains an extensive global distribution network comprising independent distributors, authorized dealers, and GM dealerships to ensure wide availability of its parts. Products are accessible through over 100 countries across six continents, supported by a robust of parts distribution centers that fulfill orders for both GM dealers and aftermarket customers. Digital tools enhance this network, including the ACDelco Connect , which allows users to search parts catalogs by vehicle specifications, VIN scanning, or , providing real-time pricing and availability. Additionally, the online parts catalog at parts-catalog.acdelco.com enables efficient lookups and ordering. Key partnerships bolster ACDelco's aftermarket reach and international operations. In the aftermarket segment, ACDelco collaborates with , where NAPA stores stock and distribute ACDelco products such as spark plugs and filters, leveraging NAPA's extensive retail presence to serve independent repair shops and consumers. Internationally, ACDelco benefits from the longstanding joint venture between and , established in 1997 as , which includes facilities stocking genuine ACDelco parts to support vehicle service in . In 2018, further expanded its aftersales capabilities by acquiring ACDelco's business, integrating it into local distribution channels. ACDelco's market strategy emphasizes expansion to streamline B2B and consumer access, particularly for fleet operators and professional technicians. The launch of GM's official online parts store in 2022 enables direct purchases of ACDelco and GM Genuine Parts, enhancing digital ordering with features like VIN-based lookups. B2B platforms, such as the ACDelco 1Store, provide a centralized hub for aftermarket businesses to manage inventory, place orders, and access promotions. Partnerships like the one with Press Auto further innovate by offering marketing tools and sales support to distributors. Regionally, ACDelco holds a strong position in , where it serves as a primary supplier of OEM and aftermarket parts through GM's integrated dealership and distribution systems. In emerging markets, the company pursues growth via strategic agreements; for instance, in , a 2025 licensing partnership with Assurance International Limited relaunched ACDelco aftermarket products, including lubricants and batteries, to capture in the rapidly expanding automotive sector. This builds on ongoing efforts in , supported by the collaboration in .

References

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