Southern Automotive was founded in the great “Arsenal of Democracy,” Detroit, Michigan in 1981 by Thomas M. Tyson and Jeffrey Fast as manufacturers of quality rebuilt starters and alternators for local automotive parts retailers.

As demand for our products accelerated, we relocated to nearby Royal Oak in 1983 to accommodate our growing reputation for quality, reliability and value.  After expanding our offerings to include defense contracting in 1983, we moved to our current facilities in Pontiac, Michigan where we continue to develop new products and services to support our customer’s growth and exceed their expectations for years to come.

In 2025 under the new generational leadership of Thomas R. Tyson, the corporation continues to operate with the same commitment to excellence while adapting to evolving market demands. This second generation is well positioned to build on the past successes of the company.

SOUTHERN AUTOMOTIVE WHOLESALERS

When Everything is on the line…

Our Mission is Your Mission for SUCCESS

For over 40-years, Southern Automotive Wholesalers has been trusted agencies of the U.S. Government and OEM’s to provide extremely reliable, top-quality D.C. electronic technology, production and distribution of qualified vendor products at an exceptional value. 

Once again, our quality management system has achieved ISO9001:2015 certification to comply with international standards for excellence.  And in 2025, we will complete Level 2 of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, exceeding NIST SP800-171 security requirements.

Everyone at Southern Automotive Wholesalers takes great pride in knowing our products play a critical role in keeping our economy, country and world strong, safe and moving forward.

 POWER MANAGEMENT

Southern Automotive understands the power and confidence that comes from knowing your vehicles will start the first time – EVERY time.  That’s why our complete line of products is designed and built to exacting specifications for exceptional quality, durability and reliability including:

Starters

Alternators

Generators

Voltage Regulators

Diversified Products Division

Our success in providing duty-tested D.C. electronic technologies allowed Southern Automotive Wholesalers to expand our offerings to include a diversified portfolio of products that keep customers on the job and in the fight, including:

Filters, Hoses, Kits, Harnesses, Switches

OUR CUSTOMERS

Because we work like you work – we’re familiar with your processes, systems and expectations for excellence.  At the heart of our success, is an unwavering commitment to your success, with an unmatched level of personal commitment, transparency and accountability.  Our customers include:

OEM contractors

Prime contractors including OEMs serving the military.

 Government

Agencies of the US Government including the Defense Logistics Agency, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior.

Exporters

Contractors who specialize in sales to foreign governments.

 Contractors

Companies like ours, that sell to various commercial, government or export customers.

Foreign Military Sales

Companies that sell to foreign governments through the US Government and direct sales.