Whenever consumers need to perform a simple auto maintenance task, such as replacing windshield wiper blades or an air filter, they just need to run 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 found that one store may not have the part, but another probably will.
But other times, when doing auto repairs, a mechanic might not be able to find an auto part locally and it has to be shipped from a manufacturer in Michigan or Ohio, which can take days.
The auto industry faced severe supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, which created a shortage of auto parts. Unfortunately, the problems didn’t go away after the pandemic subsided, as supply chain problems and shortages of parts and components continue to drag down the industry.
Issues that have created parts and component shortages include material shortages, labor gaps, port congestion, geopolitical uncertainty and increased development of electric vehicles, Supply Chain World reported.
Supply challenges contributed to economic woes for the auto parts industry in 2025, as some suppliers had to file for bankruptcy protection or, in some cases, scale back operations.
Global auto parts giant Marelli Holdings Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 11, listing $4.9 billion in debt, with plans to turn the company over to its senior creditors.
The debtor blamed 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. He also blamed tariffs.
Another auto parts giant First Brands Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 25 with about $6 billion in debt.
First Brands manufactures auto parts products such as Michelin Licensed Wiper Blades, Raybestos Complete Brake Solutions, Centric Parts Aftermarket Brake Components, StopTech Performance Brakes, Fram Filter Products, AirTex and Carter Fuel and Water Pumps, Autolite Spark Plugs, Lube-finer Filter Products, Trico Wiper Blades, Anco Wiper Blades, Carson Brake Parts and New Replacement Parts.
-
Michelin licensed wiper blades
-
Complete braking solutions Raybestos
-
Centric Parts Replacement Brake Components
-
StopTech performance brakes
-
Fram filter products
-
AirTex and Carter fuel and water pumps
-
Autolite spark plugs
-
Filter products with finer lubrication
-
Trico wiper blades
-
Also the wiper bladeS
-
Carson Brake Hardware
-
Cardone New and Remanufactured Replacement Parts
Another major auto parts and components supplier does not file for bankruptcy, but closes a major facility.
Cooper Standard Automotive Inc., a leading supplier of automotive 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 letter sent to Ohio state officials.
Cooper Standard, based in Northville, Mich., issued the letter on Dec. 8 to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that it will begin layoffs on Feb. 6, 2026, and will continue to lay off workers until the New Lexington plant closes on about July 1, 2027.
“Cooper Standard is continually reviewing 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 the new facility in Lexington, Ohio,” the letter continued.
Cooper Standard will notify United Auto Workers Local 1686 of affected employees 60 days or more before their last day of employment, according to the WARN letter.
Rejection rights, which allow senior employees whose jobs are eliminated to take positions from lower-ranking employees in order to keep a job at a company, exist under the collective agreement between Cooper Standard and UAW Local 1686.
Hourly and salaried employees will also be offered the opportunity to transfer to other Cooper Standard facilities based on certain eligibility requirements, the letter states.
The company currently has 193 hourly workers and 35 salaried workers.
More closures:
Cooper Standard is a global leader in providing advanced sealing and fluid handling systems for the transportation markets, which include automotive, truck and bus, mass transit, electrification and recreational vehicles such as mobile RVs, marine and power sports.
The company’s automotive products include fuel and brake delivery systems, fluid transfer systems, custom rubber and plastic seals, O-rings/butted corners, custom molded profiles, cut, rubber-to-metal bonding, overturning, cast details, dual and tri-durometer seals, clip-on seals, stud solutions, and vibration isolation and damping.
-
Fuel and brake systems
-
Fluid transfer systems
-
Custom rubber and plastic gaskets
-
O-rings/merged corners
-
Custom molded profiles
-
cut
-
Rubber-metal bonding
-
Overfilling
-
Molded details
-
Double and tri-durometer gaskets
-
Clip gaskets
-
Push-pin solutions
-
Isolation and vibration damping
It also provides products for industrial and consumer goods such as home appliances, electronics, renewable energy, food service, point of purchase, enclosures and heavy equipment such as agricultural and construction uses.
Cooper Standard also offers building and HVAC products, windows and doors, and lighting.
The company, founded in 1960, has a total of 22,000 employees 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 Auto section. Add TheStreet as a favorite source by clicking here.