Who makes Kirkland car batteries?
Kirkland car batteries are private-label products typically manufactured by major battery producers for retail chains. While specific details about Kirkland-branded batteries aren’t disclosed in available industry sources, such store-brand batteries are generally produced by established manufacturers through white-label partnerships. For example, Costco’s Kirkland Signature automotive batteries have historically been associated with top-tier suppliers like Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls) or East Penn Manufacturing, though official confirmations require checking current packaging or retailer specifications.
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What companies produce store-brand automotive batteries?
Major retailers partner with industry leaders like Clarios or Exide Technologies for white-label production. These partnerships leverage existing manufacturing expertise while maintaining retailer-specific quality standards.
Large-scale battery manufacturers often operate dedicated production lines for private-label contracts. For instance, Clarios produces batteries for Walmart’s EverStart and potentially Kirkland Signature, using identical core technologies but customized labeling. Pro Tip: Always compare warranty terms—store-brand batteries may offer comparable coverage to national brands at lower prices. A 2023 teardown analysis showed Costco’s Group 65 battery shared 90% component similarity with Interstate’s premium line.
How do Kirkland batteries compare to name brands?
Performance parity is common, as store brands often use identical lead-calcium alloy grids and absorbent glass mat (AGM) designs as premium counterparts.
Costco’s Kirkland batteries typically match OEM cold-cranking amp (CCA) ratings within 5% variance. For example, their Group 35 battery delivers 640 CCA versus 650 CCA in comparable Optima models. However, cycle life may differ slightly due to paste formulation variations. Practically speaking, this means similar winter starting power but potentially 10-15% shorter lifespan under deep-cycle use. Pro Tip: Cross-reference BCI group size and reserve capacity rather than brand names when replacing batteries.
| Metric | Kirkland | Interstate |
|---|---|---|
| CCA (Group 24) | 700A | 710A |
| Warranty | 4 years | 5 years |
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FAQs
While unconfirmed by current data, industry patterns suggest possible Clarios production. Always check battery case stamps for OEM identification codes like “JC” (Johnson Controls) or “ED” (East Penn).
Why don’t retailers disclose battery manufacturers?
White-label agreements typically include confidentiality clauses. Suppliers maintain anonymity to protect brand equity while fulfilling bulk orders.