Originally Posted By: brianl703
They stopped about two years ago. Put the group 48 on sale for $49.99 and then it hasn't been seen since. Just called Costco and gave them that number and was told that no Costco on the east coast has it.
I checked with my Costco, and it appears they have discontinued the 48, but it must have occurred more recently, because I have seen them on the shelf in the past year. That probably explains why their price was reduced compared to when I last shopped for a new battery at the end of '07. Prior to that, they didn't stock a 48, so I was surprised when I saw it. Must not have been a big seller for them.
Sears and Interstate always carry the 48, made by JCI, albeit at the higher end of the price scale. (Even more so for the Interstate-imported DIN-standard Hx batteries if one wants true originality) Autozone charges less for their version. Pep Boys' version was sold as an Energizer before changing to Bosch labeling. The supplier switched from JCI to Exide within the past couple years, however.
NAPA's 48 is an Exide. Oddly enough, CSK's Delco was, too, but now their site now pictures a house brand that appears to be made by JCI.
It's definitely a fluid market and things are subject to change.