<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF GENUINE PARTS COMPANY FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
30, 2000, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.

<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-2000
<CASH>                                          53,224
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,122,953
<ALLOWANCES>                                    12,520
<INVENTORY>                                  1,733,618
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,952,050
<PP&E>                                         408,754
<DEPRECIATION>                                 419,074
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               4,021,633
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          976,933
<BONDS>                                        699,813
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       174,954
<OTHER-SE>                                   2,038,216
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 4,021,633
<SALES>                                      4,213,506
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             4,213,506
<CGS>                                        3,008,649
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                3,008,649
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              31,182
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                313,556
<INCOME-TAX>                                   125,234
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            188,322
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   188,322
<EPS-BASIC>                                       1.07
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.06