423120 - Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers
The automotive industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, with countless businesses supporting vehicle manufacturing, maintenance, and repair. A critical segment within this industry is represented by NAICS code 423120 — Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers. Whether you’re a government contractor, business owner, or industry analyst, understanding this NAICS category is essential for identifying market opportunities and compliance standards.
What Is NAICS Code 423120?
NAICS code 423120 describes establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of new motor vehicle parts and supplies. These businesses serve as the backbone for automotive repair shops, parts retailers, and other wholesalers by supplying a broad range of new automotive components.
These merchant wholesalers do not manufacture parts but focus on distributing parts and supplies such as brakes, batteries, mirrors, and much more to a variety of clients in the automotive aftermarket.
Sector and Business Activities
- Sector: Wholesale Trade
- Industry: Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers
- Primary Activities Include:
- Selling automotive aftermarket parts and supplies
- Distributing accessories and repair parts for motor vehicles
- Supplying auto body shop and service station equipment
- Providing components such as engines, batteries, radiators, mirrors, and brakes
Typical businesses in this category include:
- Auto parts distributors
- Motor vehicle supply wholesalers
- New automotive parts merchants
Size Standards and Eligibility
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) defines size standards for government contracting and eligibility. For NAICS 423120, the standard size threshold is:
- 200 employees or fewer
Businesses with 200 or fewer employees are considered small businesses under this code, making them eligible for various small business contracting programs.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 423120
- Auto Parts Distributors: Companies distributing new parts to repair shops and retailers
- Motor Vehicle Supply Wholesalers: Wholesalers offering a broad catalog of automotive equipment and components
- New Automotive Parts Merchants: Businesses specializing in the sale of brand-new auto parts and accessories
NAICS Code 423120 - Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers Code Details
| Code Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket parts, automotive | Supplier of replacement parts for vehicles |
| Auto body shop supplies merchant wholesalers | Distributor of auto body repair parts and materials |
| Automobile accessories (except tires, tubes) merchant wholesalers | Wholesalers of vehicle accessories excluding tires |
| Automobile glass merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of replacement automotive glass |
| Automobile service station equipment merchant wholesalers | Equipment distributors for gas stations and auto shops |
| Automotive brakes merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of brake components |
| Automotive parts, new, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of new parts for motor vehicles |
| Automotive stampings merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of stamped metal parts for vehicles |
| Balancing equipment, motor vehicle, merchant wholesalers | Equipment distributors for tire and wheel balancing |
| Batteries, automotive, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of new automotive batteries |
| Engine testing equipment, motor vehicle, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of testing tools for engines |
| Engines and parts, automotive, new, merchant wholesalers | Providers of new engines and engine components |
| Gasoline marketing equipment merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of fuel marketing and dispensing equipment |
| Gasoline measuring and dispensing pumps merchant wholesalers | Distributors of fuel pumps and meters |
| Gasoline service station equipment merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of service station equipment |
| Generators, motor vehicle electrical, new, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of automotive electrical generators |
| Glass, automotive, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of all types of automotive glass |
| Handtools, motor vehicle mechanics', merchant wholesalers | Wholesalers of mechanic hand tools |
| Hardware, motor vehicle, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of automotive hardware components |
| Hoists, automotive, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of lifting equipment for vehicle maintenance |
| Mechanic's tools merchant wholesalers | Distributors of tools for automotive repair |
| Mirrors, automotive, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of vehicle mirrors |
| Motor vehicle instruments, electric, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of electronic instruments for vehicles |
| Motor vehicle parts and accessories, new, merchant wholesalers | Wholesalers of new vehicle parts and accessories |
| Motorcycle parts, new, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of new motorcycle components |
| Mufflers, exhaust, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of exhaust system parts |
| Oil filters, automotive, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of oil filters |
| Parts, new, motor vehicle, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of general new motor vehicle parts |
| Pistons and valves, automotive, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of pistons and valves |
| Pumps (e.g., fuel, oil, power steering, water), automotive, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of various automotive pumps |
| Radiators, motor vehicle, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of engine cooling radiators |
| Seat belts, motor vehicle, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of vehicle seat belts |
| Seat covers, automotive, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of automotive seat coverings |
| Shop equipment, service station, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of service station shop equipment |
| Testing and measuring equipment, electrical, automotive, merchant wholesalers | Automotive electrical testing equipment distributors |
| Tools and equipment, motor vehicle, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of various automotive tools and equipment |
| Trailer parts, new, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of new trailer parts |
| Truck parts, new, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of new parts for trucks |
| Voltage regulators, motor vehicle, merchant wholesalers | Suppliers of voltage regulation parts |
| Wheels, motor vehicle, new, merchant wholesalers | Distributors of new vehicle wheels |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What businesses are classified under NAICS 423120?
Businesses engaged in wholesale distribution of new motor vehicle parts and supplies, such as auto part distributors and motor vehicle supply wholesalers.
Is manufacturing included in NAICS 423120?
No. This NAICS code is specifically for merchant wholesalers who distribute new motor vehicle parts, not manufacturers.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 423120?
The size standard is typically 200 employees or fewer to qualify as a small business.
Can businesses selling used or rebuilt auto parts fall under this code?
No. This code focuses primarily on new motor vehicle parts and supplies.
Which sectors does this NAICS code belong to?
NAICS 423120 falls under the Wholesale Trade sector.
Conclusion
NAICS code 423120 - Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers represents a vital niche within the wholesale trade sector, connecting manufacturers and retailers with essential automotive parts and supplies. Whether you are a small business owner aiming to enter the government contracting space or an industry professional analyzing market trends, understanding this NAICS code's definition, size standards, and industry scope is key to success.
Leverage this knowledge to identify contracting opportunities, comply with regulatory requirements, and strategically position your business within the dynamic automotive wholesale market.
Keywords: NAICS code 423120, Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers, auto parts distributors, automotive wholesale trade, new motor vehicle parts, SBA size standards, automotive accessories merchant wholesalers
