SMP History SMP History – Celebrating 90 Years of Success 1919 Standard Motor Products is Born In 1913 the first moving assembly line for automobiles was developed by Ford Motor Company, transforming cars from unaffordable luxuries into transportation for the masses. SMP established in New York City by Elias Fife and Ralph Van Allen. Specialized in ignition and electrical products 1920s Early Growth and Manufacture In 1922 the first American car with four-wheel hydraulic brakes is developed, replacing ones that relied on the pressure of the driver’s foot alone and in 1926 the first car with a power steering system is introduced. Product line expanded to include wire & cable Began manufacturing automotive ignition parts TOP 1930s Expansion Through the Depression Era In 1935 flashing turn signals were introduced and in 1939 the first air conditioning system was added to automobiles. Corporate headquarters moves to current LIC, Queens, NY Purchased wire and cable division Bernard Fife, son of founder, joins SMP 1940s Across the Border Into Canada In 1940 Oldsmobile introduces the first mass-produced, fully automatic transmission. SMP markets products in Canada Nathanial Sills, Elias Fife’s son-in-law, joins Company 1950s SMP Defines the Carburetor Tune-up Kit In 1950 the first cruise control mechanism is developed and though unpopular when first introduced, is now standard on more than 70 percent of today’s automobiles. Blue Streak/Hygrade Motor Products, Ltd. is established in Canada Hygrade introduces the Jiffy Kit, the standard of the carburetor parts industry TOP 1960s Blue Streak Patents Unique Technology In 1963 automakers introduce the PCV system to begin to reduce harmful emissions. In 1966 an electronic fuel injection system was developed. SMP becomes a public company Larry Sills, the 3rd generation, joins SMP Blue Streak brand introduces Lubripoints with patented Lubriwick technology 1970s SMP is Listed on the NYSE In the early 1970s fuel prices escalate driving the demand for fuel-efficient cars. This increases the sale of small cars, setting in motion the rise of the Japanese import automobile industry. SMP is listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1977 SMP purchases Four Seasons Comfort Controls of Forth Worth, TX, a     rebuilder of automotive compressors The first technician clinics focusing on electronics are introduced 1980s Engine Management Welcomes Temp Controls In 1985 the Lincoln becomes the first American car to offer an antilock braking system (ABS). The eighties also sees the Japanese popularize “just in time” delivery and statistical process control. Wire and Cable production begins in Edwardsville, KS Wire & Cable line is introduced in Canada Temperature Controls division is formed, as Four Seasons and  Carco are     consolidated, and move to Grapevine, TX Electronics operation purchased from Fairchild’s Hybrid Products Division Temperature controls are introduced in Canada New 400,000 sq. ft. distribution center is opened in Disputanta, Virginia SMP introduces counterman training programs TOP 1990s Manufacturing, Distribution and International Expansion In 1992 the passage of the federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 encourages alternative- fuel vehicles and in 1997 Cadillac offers automatic stability control, increasing safety in emergency handling situations. Eric Sills, the 4th generation, joins SMP Corporate training center opens in Irving, Texas SMP acquires Federal Parts a leading manufacturer of economy wire sets Blue Streak Europe is established SMP acquires oxygen sensor manufacturing business from Allied Signal SMP supplies the OE and OE service market proprietary titania oxygen sensor Maxair, Everco, and Murray become part of Four Seasons Startup of Unimotor in Ontario, Canada to manufacture blower and radiator     fan motors SMP acquires Hayden, a manufacturer of fan clutches and transmission     oil coolers Electronics Business Unit moves to new facilities in Orlando, FL SMP engineers develop advanced double wire bonding and heat sink     technology for electronic modules SMP begins supplying ignition modules to the OE/OE service markets Wire and Cable division develops patented design for original quad     4 boot application Professional diagnostic seminars are introduced by SMP corporate training   2000s SMP Innovations Lead the Way The 2000s and beyond. Since the turn of the century the automobile industry has seen a greater environmental consciousness, lean manufacturing, and a technology explosion that has increased the automobile’s safety, comfort, efficiency and performance. Carol Cable Ltd, a UK wire manufacturer becomes part of SMP Holdings Ltd Fuel Injection business is acquired from Johnson Controls SMP engineers a compressed natural gas (CNG) compatible fuel injector SMP purchases Dana’s engine management division, adding BWD and     Niehoff brands SMP becomes supplier to NAPA Echlin Dana Canada is established Four Seasons division receives Environmental Management System ISO     14001:2004 certification for green manufacturing Temperature controls division redesigns HVAC system for military HUMVEE Unimotor develops hybrid battery cooling blower for low emission     hybrid trucks Manufacturing facility opens in Bialystok, Poland to serve expanding     European markets SMP launches Genuine Intermotor brand of import parts in the US markets SMP initiates classic category management system to optimize efficiencies     for distribution channels SMP’s CEO Lawrence Sills rings the NYSE Closing Bell to commemorate 90th     anniversary TOP