The global economic downturn has had devastating effects car manufacturers as consumers worldwide have put off buying new vehicles and have chosen to keep and maintain their current ones. While this has severely affected the likes of General Motors (GM), Ford (F), and Toyota (TM), it provides unprecedented opportunities for auto parts stores, parts suppliers, and auto repair specialists. While there are dozens and dozens of auto parts store chains throughout the country, the only publicly traded companies that are large enough to take advantage of the current economic situation are Advance Auto Parts (AAP), AutoZone (AZO), O’Reilly Automotive (ORLY), and The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe and Jack (PBY). AutoZone is the biggest player in the industry with an $8.8 billion market cap, and it appears to be the best positioned for the near future with its network of more than 4200 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico,...