MEMPHIS, TN - AutoZone, Inc., a retailer and distributor of auto parts and accessories, recognized GRI Engineering Development LLC and Bosch Brake Components as Vendors of the Year during the AutoZone Vendor Summit 2012 held in Memphis, Tenn.

"GRI and Bosch are leading suppliers who worked together and with AutoZone to innovate and improve Duralast Gold brake pads," said Bill Rhodes, chairman, president and CEO of AutoZone.

AutoZone also recognized a special group of suppliers with the company's prestigious Extra Miler Award. Extra Miler suppliers are:

Lucas Oil Products, Inc., Marklan Group, Inc., Spectra Premium Industries, Tenneco, Inc., Gabriel Ride Control LLC and East Penn Manufacturing.

"The Extra Miler award recognizes those suppliers who have demonstrated above and beyond efforts for AutoZone and our customers," said Mark Finestone, senior vice president of merchandising. "These Extra Miler suppliers set the standard for their innovative thinking, category management skills, quality merchandise and commitment with AutoZone to grow the business together."

Two individuals, Jack Vollbrecht of Remy International, Inc. and Michael Klein of IDQ USA, were recognized as Extra Milers for their commitment to the automotive aftermarket government relations efforts.

The WITTDTJR (What It Takes To Do The Job Right) Award is given to suppliers as recognition for taking the initiative to make sure AutoZoners and AutoZone customers have the right parts and the information to complete the job. The WITTDTJR Award was given to the following suppliers: Meguiar's, Inc., Import Products Co., Inc., Cequent Consumer Products, Inc., Accessories Marketing, Inc.,General Cable Industries, Inc., and Qualis Automotive, LLC.