Interstate History & Milestones

The Early Years

In the spring of 1950, John Searcy began selling and delivering car batteries to wholesalers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from the back of his red Studebaker pickup truck. After two years, Searcy founded his new company and named it Interstate Battery System. He based his business on high principles: offer the best-quality product, provide impeccable service and treat the customer with respect.

The Nationwide System

By the 1980s, Interstate celebrated the milestone of having distributorships in every one of the 50 states and in Canada. Today you can even find our distributors in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Guam! Our product line also expanded to include commercial, marine/RV, motorcycle, snowmobile, golf car, wheelchair, lawn & garden, and alarm system batteries.

A Household Name

Retiring in 1978, John Searcy left the company under the leadership of President and Chairman Norm Miller. In the coming years, Interstate would seek to become a household name. Our first venture was the Interstate Batteries Great American Race, which for 13 years took vintage car owners and their vehicles on a two-week, cross-country rally. This opened the door to other marketing opportunities, such as advertising on the Paul Harvey news radio show, going “prime time“ with national TV commercials and sponsoring champion fishermen Guido and Dion Hibdon. In 1990, Norm’s brother Tommy Miller became Interstate Batteries’ President and C.E.O., while Norm remained Chairman of the Board. The company’s presence took off in a new area: NASCAR, now America’s fastest-growing professional sport. Interstate became title sponsor of Coach Joe Gibbs’ new Winston Cup team in 1992 and steadily improved each year, winning the prestigious Winston Cup Championship in 2000.

End of an Era

John Marvin Searcy passed away on June 2, 2007, leaving behind the legacy of not only an outstanding battery company, but more importantly, a history of compassion and honesty. John built a wonderful foundation for Interstate Batteries. He did his best to do the right thing in the business world and throughout his life. We treasured our time with him, and work to carry on John’s tremendous example of integrity and good character.

Fast Facts Timeline

  • 1976 - Interstate breaks mark of 1 million units sold annually
  • 1987 - Distributorship in Alaska opens. Interstate Batteries now covers all 50 states
  • 1987 - MegaTron 34 named best overall battery by a leading consumer reports magazine
  • 1990 - Interstate becomes #1 replacement battery sold in North America
  • Since 1991 - Nearly 200,000 metal signs stamped with the Interstate logo and placed at battery sellers nationwide advertise our product
  • 1994 - Interstate sells its 100 millionth battery
  • 1997 - Interstate Batteries 500 was our first race sponsorship and NASCAR's first appearance at Texas Motor Speedway
  • 1998 - Interstate purchases Battery Patrol and becomes player in the "all battery" market, offering Every Battery for Every Need
  • 2000 - Interstate driver Bobby Labonte wins Winston cup championship
  • 2003 - Interstate becomes participant in Critical Power markets with PowerCare
  • 2006 - Interstate launches new automotive product line with free-replacement warranties of 18, 24 and 30 months