Updated at: 29-08-2022 - By: Lucas

With over 6000 locations in the United States, AutoZone has one of the largest distribution networks for automobile batteries. Duralast is AutoZone’s in-house brand and a popular choice for millions of customers, but few of us knew who made the batteries until today.

There are three businesses that make the Duralast batteries sold by AutoZone.

Consolidation of Johnson Controls, East Penn Manufacturing and Exide into one company, Clarios

Since production costs and the proximity of local manufacturing facilities determine the distribution, the closest company is likely to supply the entire region.

AutoZone Duralast Battery Manufacturers

Duralast Car Battery

AutoZone is one of the country’s largest suppliers of automotive components, and its distribution network stretches across the country. The United States is a vast country, with thousands of miles separating its four corners. AutoZone’s supplier selection process is heavily influenced by this.

For the most part, Duralast is not manufactured by AutoZone but by the contractor businesses who work with AutoZone. As a result of the brand’s focus on affordability, AutoZone needs to procure its batteries at the lowest possible cost.

Because automobile batteries are so hefty for their size, transportation distance is a big consideration. Because of this, even if they can receive a cheaper price for larger bulk orders, outsourcing all of the batteries to one supplier isn’t necessarily the cheapest option.

It is not just AutoZone that obtains its automobile batteries from a variety of suppliers. For Walmart’s EverStart batteries, as well as many other supply retailers and even automobile manufacturers, this is the norm.

Duralast batteries are manufactured by the three largest battery providers in the United States.

Clarios, East Penn Manufacturing, and Exide are among the companies mentioned.

Clarios

Despite the fact that Johnson Controls is a household name in the automotive battery industry, many people overlooked the fact that the Johnson Controls battery division was sold in 2019. In other words, there are no new Johnson Controls batteries available at this time.

However, what does this mean for vehicle battery buyers?

It doesn’t make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things. Clarios was the name of Brookfield Business Partners’ new battery division, which overtook Johnson Controls’ operations.

There is no way for me to say for sure, but I believe that the only change in the production process is that Clarios now owns other battery production facilities.

It’s worth noting that Clarios is one of the world’s largest producers of lead acid batteries, shipping 150 million units annually, or one-third of the world’s total. No Clarios batteries have ever been sold to me, and instead have been given the name of their distributor.

Clarios provides automotive manufacturers, retailers, and supply chains, as well as brands like as Varta, Optima Batteries, Delkor, and Mac Batteries, which it has direct ties with.

East Penn Manufacturing

East Penn is a major auto battery provider in the United States and Canada, despite its smaller global presence than Clarios.

In addition to Deka batteries, they supply a wide range of businesses, including automakers, car parts distributors, and even Walmart. East Penn supplies Napa, Intimidator, Duracell, MK Battery, and more brands.

In Berks County, Pennsylvania, East Penn boasts one of the world’s largest single-site battery manufacturing complexes. In addition to flooded lead acid, AGM, and ordinary lithium ion batteries for industrial and commercial application, the company specializes in these batteries.

Exide

AutoZone’s Duralast battery suppliers include three significant companies, including Exide.

For its own brand of batteries and as an OE battery provider, Exide is best known in Milton, Georgia, but the company also manufactures American-made Bosch batteries under license from Bosch in Germany.

The company’s headquarters are in Kolkata, India, although it maintains offices all around the world. Exide is currently the fourth-largest lead acid battery manufacturer in the world.

AutoZone Duralast Battery Lineup

Duralast Car Battery

To find out what AutoZone has to offer in terms of Duralast batteries, let’s have a look at their selection.

The Duralast battery portfolio includes four types:

Duralast

At $159, 99, AutoZone’s regular Duralast batteries are the least expensive alternative; but, I wouldn’t call them inexpensive. Because the pricing is the same regardless of battery size, capacity, or cold cranking amps, it’s difficult to understand. AutoZone maintains a consistent battery price across its whole line, which is unusual for a company in this industry.

Duralast’s regular edition, on the other hand, offers a terrific value in the form of a huge car battery. It’s a great value for the budget-priced car batteries, and it comes with a two-year warranty.

Duralast Gold

In the middle of the price range, you’ll find Duralast Gold, which has more lead plates and therefore better vibration resistance and more power. For vehicles with heated seats, infotainment systems, and other power-draining features, AutoZone recommends the Gold lineup.

AutoZone has set a price of $189. 99 for all Duralast Gold batteries, no matter how large or powerful they are. Duralast Gold batteries still offer superior value than name-brand batteries when it comes to power output and CCA. The three-year warranty is a huge selling point for the company.

Duralast Platinum

Duralast Platinum batteries are the best AutoZone has to offer, and they come in both EFB and AGM varieties. In contrast to the traditional flooded battery, EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) greatly improves the formula, while AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) entirely seals the battery.

The only problem is that AutoZone is now out of stock of Duralast Platinum batteries, which have a three-year complete replacement warranty. If you’re looking for a battery that will last longer and provide more power, I’d recommend the Platinum line when it’s back in stock and at a reasonable price.

Refundable Core Charge

The primary fee is a completely refundable environmental tax. When you buy a new battery, simply return the old one for recycling.

AutoZone’s $22 charge is extremely high compared to other companies’ fees. If you have an old battery to recycle, this won’t be a problem, but if you don’t, you’ll have to pay the core charge, which can wreak havoc on your wallet.

FAQs

Duralast Car Battery-2

Are Duralast and DieHard batteries the same?

In the past, Clarios, formerly known as Johnson Controls, produced both Duralast and DieHard batteries for consumers. Though they may be built to the same specifications, we cannot say for certain that they are.

Are Duralast batteries good?

Because they’re inexpensive, Duralast batteries aren’t compromised in terms of performance. The Gold and Platinum lines feature a three-year full refund warranty, while the regular line offers a two-year guarantee.

Is Duralast made in the USA?

It’s safe to assume that at least some of Duralast batteries are made in the United States, as all three of the battery’s suppliers have domestic production facilities. It is probable, however, that some of the batteries are made in Mexico, where Clarios has a large manufacturing site.

Summary

AutoZone has three different vendors to get its Duralast batteries.

East Penn Manufacturing, Clarios, and Exide. If you live near an AutoZone, you’ll most likely obtain your batteries from that store’s local battery producer, so your options for batteries are somewhat limited.

When it comes to Duralast batteries, the quality is satisfactory, especially when compared to the price. All traditional Duralast and Duralast Gold batteries from AutoZone are priced the same, regardless of their capacity or power.

You’ll receive one of the greatest discounts on the market by purchasing one of these larger batteries.