RETAILING

Sears to Divide Automotive Group: The Chicago-based company said it will split its automotive group, the world’s largest battery and tire retailer, into two divisions: tires and auto parts. Sears, Roebuck & Co. said the move is designed to rapidly expand its growth in the tire and battery and parts segments of the automotive aftermarket. The new 1,042-store tire division includes Sears Auto Centers, Tire America and National Tire Warehouse Stores. Sears’ new auto parts division comprises 1,480 Western Auto and Parts America stores.