Technical Support Systems Strengthen Our Industrys Communication

Jack Creamer, president of Distribution Marketing Services, says the industry's communication system is strong and continues to grow because of technical support systems.

E-Communications Increases Efficiency and Global Collaboration

Garth Cole, director of Global Product Marketing, Johnson Controls, says the company has adapted to electronic communications, fully embracing and utilizing all forms of e-communications to share information and data with employees all around the globe. This eliminates a lot of trips, Cole adds, and allows employees to be more collaborative and efficient.

Techs Must Differentiate Between Quality Parts and Sub-Standard Parts

Denny Welvaert, president, N.A. Aftermarket Division, Mark IV Automotive, says suppliers and distributors must help techs understand the difference between quality and sub-standard parts.

Temot International Stays in Touch with Global Economy

Fotios Katsardis, CEO, Temot International, says the global economy is the focus for Temot as the company explores opportunities worldwide. Katsardis is particularly interested in identifying synergistic relationships to improve overall efficiencies.

Change Focus Vital for Industry Going Forward

Lisa Kranc, senior vice president of marketing, AutoZone, talks about the value of change and focus in the marketplace with regard to a recent AAIA strategic initiative.

Growth is Evident in China Aftermarket

According to Steve Ganster, senior VP of Technomic Asia, the most recent development in China's aftermarket is growth, as the car parc is increasing.

The Automotive Industry Needs to Become Environmentally Sustainable for Changes to Occur

Don James, marketing director for Continental, says companies must find a way to build sustainable environmental solutions going forward, and not just label products as "green" to appease the marketplace. A true commitment to environmental initiatives is key for the auto industry going forward.

Mark Seng Talks About the Polk Inventory Efficiency Awards

Mark Seng, vice president aftermarket and commercial vehicle, R.L. Polk & Co., discusses the origin of the company's inventory efficiency awards, which grew from the industry-wide problem of excess inventory. The awards developed four years ago to, among other things, recognize companies who have implemented best practices related to inventory management.

Gas Prices Affect the Industrys Annual Growth and Market Adjustments

Rollie Olson, CEO, Parts Depot, has bullish expectations going forward as vehicles age. Consumers will get used to dealing with higher gas prices over the long term and the industry will get back to its annual growth of 2 percent or 3 percent in the not too distant future.

Tom Marx Views Growth in the Digital and Online Communications

Advertising and marketing budgets typically are impacted at the middle of the year, but Tom Marx, president and CEO of the Marx Group, says he has seen the opposite. Marx, when interviewed at this year's Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago, says he has been able to convince his clients that spending money on marketing during a down economy can increase market share. He especially sees growth in digital and online communications. Digital communications is much less expensive and more "targetable," he adds.

What Companies Can Do to Control the Constant Rising Gas Prices

Tony Cristello, Senior V.P., BB&T Capital Markets, says rising gas prices may be a constant, not a trend. Business owners need to embrace this reality and make adjustments such as tighter controls on building and vehicle heating and cooling and better monitoring of idling trucks, etc., to offset the costs.

Manufacturing Sector Thrives While Consumers Suffer in a Weak Economy

Bill Strauss, senior economist/economic advisor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, says we are skirting a recession during times of a sluggish economy in the US. Areas such as the manufacturing sector and energy related businesses are thriving, while consumer sectors are very weak.

Gas Prices are Relative - Not as Big an Issue - as Thought by Consumers

David Carracci, GAAS chairman, discusses the need to educate consumers about preventive maintenance. Regularly scheduled tune ups, oil changes, etc. will help offset the concern over rising fuel prices - which he says are not as high as they seem in relative comparison to the economy.

Consumers Can Benefit From a Better Understanding of Independent Repair: better fuel economy and better savings

Ron Pyle, president, Automotive Service Association, sees a need for improving communication to consumers and helping them understand the value of independent repair shops and why there are often better solutions than to take it back to the dealer. At the moment some of the messages are leading to confusion for the general public, says Pyle. Aftermarket manufacturers need to do a better job of communicating their value to consumers.

Some Automotive Aftermarket Retailers Expect Tough Economic Times Ahead

Joe Catalano, COO Autobacs Strauss, in the automotive environment, talks about the need for passage of Right to Repair legislation in order to keep vehicle information flowing to the independent repair bays. He expects a tough economic year ahead, and says solutions that help people save money and gas are vital for survival.

Emerging Asian Markets Will Affect US Automotive Landscape

Neil De Koker, president and CEO of OESA, expects to see tremendous shifts in how and where cars are manufactured as emerging markets develop in Asia and other continents.

Consumers Ultimate Auto Repair Fear: Getting Ripped Off in the Repair Bays

Rob Gross with Monro Muffler Brake says customers surveyed by his company are overwhelmingly afraid of one thing – getting ripped off at the service repair bays. His company, therefore, focuses on strong relationships with consumers and making them feel at ease in his shops.

Auto Repair Shops Face Changes Ahead in Technology, Training and Tooling

George Witt, owner of George Witt Service, sees huge changes taking place in the automotive industry, especially as they pertain to technology, training and tooling. Those who harness the technology will separate themselves from the others, he adds.

Reaching Out to Troubled Youth - ASA Champions Auto Repair Education Program For At-Risk Teens

Terry Legan, president of non-profit group Auto Mission, was on-hand at the 2008 Automotive Service Association's (ASA) annual convention to explain the group's mission. The non-profit helps reach out to at-risk teenage boys within the Texas prison and court system to help teach them auto-related skills and better their lives. One particular young man is now an engineering student at college and working at AutoZone, says Legan, who adds more than 300 cars have been donated since the group's inception, some which have been passed on to people of need.

Standard Motor Products: Auto Repair Eating the Cost of Installer

Larry Sills with Standard Motor Products has seen warranty returns increase as a result of vehicle complexity. He estimates more than 50 percent of those returns are the result of installer error. How does the industry deal with that? Most of the time the suppliers eat the cost.

Oil Prices Compel Lubricant Manufacturers to Seek Alternatives

Prices of raw materials like elastomers and polymers, based on the price of oil, have shot up dramatically, says Lyle Otremba, from Cooper-Standard Automotive. This, he adds, has forced the company to consider alternative raw materials. Otremba spoke at the recent Global Automotive Conference in Lexington, Ky.

Plasma Cutting Tools: What to Know Before You Buy

Bob Fernicola, Business Manager of Plasma Cutting Equipment for ESAB, explains that most shops will need a 30-40 amp plasma cutter for most of their needs. A machine this size offers convenience and can easily handle the 1/4-inch thick steel shops typically see.

Odyssey Batteries - Technical Breakthroughs and Superior Performance

Bruce Essig explains the technology built into each Odyssey Battery and how this technology gives the power and packaging needed for modern specialty vehicles. Go to http://www.odysseyfactory.com to learn more about Odyssey Batteries.

HD-Wheels New Product Innovations

Henry Gaudens presents an overview of the HD Wheels lineup, covering every category in the aftermarket with aluminum alloy wheels: Tuner, Truck/SUV and Lifted Trucks. Go to http://www.hd-inc.com to learn more about HD Wheels.

SSBC Brakes - Superior Brakes Performance from Daily Drivers On Up

Michael Jonas discusses the features and benefits of SSBCs many product lines of disc brake kits, including its new Force 10 aluminum calipers, boosters and master cylinders, and the all new Big Bite Cross Drilled Rotor program. Go to http://www.ssbrakes.com to learn more about SSBC and its products.

Fuel Costs Hurt Parts Sales

As a heavy-duty parts distributor Mike Schneider, president of Seneca Auto and Truck, Louisville, Ky., says high fuel prices are really hitting the wallets of the country's trucking companies. The direct result is that they are not buying as many parts, affecting his business by about 15 percent.

A Tough Economy Takes a Toll on the Specialty Equipment Market

Chris Kersting, president and CEO of the SEMA, explains the economic challenges facing companies in the specialty equipment market and what is necessary to survive in a tough climate. Kersting was on hand for the 2008 SEMA National Education Conference in Nashville.

Progress with the Automotive OEMs

Cooperation with OEMs to share repair information has progressed significantly, says Charlie Gorman, executive manager of the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI), and chair of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). Gorman spoke exclusively to Motor Age, during a recent NASTF meeting in Detroit.

Value-Adds Level the Playing Field with LCCs

The long-term effect of global sourcing on the automotive aftermarket, from a North American perspective, has meant more product being introduced into the market from low-cost countries. While these sources have generally competed at the low price points, David Coolidge, president, Automotive Aftermarket Division, Robert Bosch Corporation, says these sources have generally not been able to provide value-added services, such as category management, supply chain management, training, technical support, and so on.

Procuring a Parts-Ordering Strategy

In the Cleveland market, there was once a myriad of independent parts suppliers, a number that has now dwindled, Andy Fiffick, CEO of Cleveland-based RadAir Complete Car Care, orders some parts from the big box locations, but, as a TSS shop, mainly orders from ACDelco. The company's strategy is quality first, with timely delivery next and price a close third. He estimates that his bays get parts deliveries at times every half-hour throughout a business day.

Becoming a More Effective Supplier

Matt Forner, director of aftermarket sales, Grote Industries, talks about how consolidation is impacting his company. During the IWD/Auto Pride Conference Forner explained how Grote is taking its sales force and making it more effective for the WDs and jobbers it serves. A Web-based system is the latest option this company has implemented.

GM's Bob Lutz Sees Opportunity in Accessories - Part 2

Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman, Global Product Development for General Motors, says his company has established a group focused on developing a stronger accessories' business and eyeing downstream opportunities. Like most OEMs, GM knows that by staying in contact with consumers via repairs and other services the dealers will benefit when those customers start shopping for a new vehicle.

Right to Repairs Gray Areas

ALLDATA is supportive of proposed Right to Repair legislation, but it's a complex story, says President Jeff Lagges. Is Right to Repair pushing information access, or would information access be available without a legislative push, he asks? The industry needs to communicate the right story in order to keep business in the aftermarket bays.

Superduty 2.5-inch Smart Suspension Tech

ReadyLift's President Scott Poncher presents a unique product at the 2007 SEMA show: 2.5-inch lift kit for the F-250/F-350 Ford Super duty 4X4. The ReadyLift Suspension kit gives you 5 inches of ground clearance without sacrificing the vehicles ride, response and your pocketbook! Visit www.readylift.com to learn more about ReadyLift's Suspension Kits.

Data Sharing Drives Stronger Partnerships

Mike Fitzgerald, vice president of Standard Motor Products, believes collaboration is one the biggest recent changes in the automotive aftermarket and includes vendor-managed inventory, supply chain management initiatives and category management. He feels it is important to share information and there has been reluctance in the automotive aftermarket to do so. Now his large customers are willing to share information and the result has been reduced returns, better inventory management, growing sales faster, staying on top of changes in the industry and getting products to market faster.

Understanding MLS Gaskets

Federal-Mogul's Ron Rotunno explains the technology behind Fel Pro's multi-layered steel (MLS) gaskets that allows it to maintain contact pressure between the engine head and the block. Visit Federal Mogul at www.federalmogul.com.

The True Value of Auto Repair

Our industry doesn't come close to charging what it should for its repair services, says Andy Fiffick, CEO of RadAir Complete Car Care, based in Cleveland. Part of overcoming this challenge lies in educating the public about what they're actually getting when they pull into a bay, he adds.

Education Can Help Overcome the OE Dealer

Tony Cristello knows there are ways for retailers, WDs, jobbers and the rest of the aftermarket to restake their claim to the industry, and pull it away from the OE dealers. Cristello, senior VP BB&T Capital Markets Equity Research, says the aftermarket has to find a way to find the specs and continue to educate, have good diagnostic and repairs, and build the element of trust.

Sunroof Innovations from Webasto

One of the leading manufacturers of innovative products to the transportation industry, Webasto provides high quality solutions for both aftermarket and OEM markets. Here you'll see John Thomas discussing Webasto's new sunroofs, and their unique, user-friendly designs and features. Go to www.webasto.com to learn more about Webasto and its cutting-edge sunroofs.

Project Parts Chaser

Mike Anson, editor-in-chief of Styling & Performance, introduces Project Parts Chaser, the magazine's sweepstakes truck given to a lucky jobber, installer, retailer or WD who registers to looks up parts on search-autoparts.com, the industry's premier automotive aftermarket portal and specialty parts sourcing database. This modified 2007 Ford F-150 truck debuted at SEMA and features parts by Styling & Performance sponsors including: Proliance, Superchips, Hella, MSD Ignition, Clevite, CTEK, Edge Products, Kramer Rack Plus, Akebono, HD Wheels, K&N Air Filters, SPEED TV, Odyssey, and Continental Tire. All parts were installed by Project Parts Chaser installation and distribution sponsor 4 Wheel Parts Transamerican Wholesale. To look up more than 500,000 parts and improve your odds of driving home the Project Parts Chaser truck in 2008, log onto http://www.search-autoparts.com today.

Zoom Performance Products

ZOOM Performance is not new to the performance clutch market. They have been building performance clutch products for 41 years! Eric Waters discusses Zoom's clutches, and how they differentiate themselves from the competition. Go to www.zoomperformance.com to learn more about the company and its products.

Shops Rely on Suppliers for Education, Training

The individual customer not only is the most important person to a WD or jobber, but it can be the biggest challenge. Ron Pyle, president of the Automotive Service Association, says if the aftermarket misses the opportunity to educate and train individual repair shops on new vehicle technology and business management, the results could be disastrous.

Taking A Tougher Stance

Jeff Schuyler, president of Import Auto Supply in Yuma, Ariz., says proper pricing in a tough economy is essential for profitability. Schuyler discussed pricing at the APA Conference n San Antonio. For conference details go to http://motorage.search-autoparts.com/motorage/article/articleDetail
.jsp?id=501062&sk=f3e1114c5143f519fa1d24bf368d2560

Good Customers Do More Than Pay On Time

Jim Puckett, owner of Parts, Inc., a warehouse distributor in Brentwood, Md., discusses what makes an ideal customer: it boils down to those who pay the bills, along with a few other factors. Puckett's comments were made March 6 during a break at the APA Conference in San Antonio. For conference details go to http://motorage.search-autoparts.com/motorage/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=501062&sk=f3e1114c5143f519fa1d24bf368d2560

The Value of ASE Certification

Trish Serratore with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) explains the return on investment associated with techs who are ASE certified. She also outlines for viewers some of the unique offerings ASE has online, such as test tips and the Blue Seal of Excellence Program. Go to http://www.ase.com to learn more about ASE and those who are preparing for the next round of ASE testing should visit http://passthease.com

Ready, Set, Launch

After launching six new tire lines in the last three years, plus two new competition tires at SEMA, General Tire now has 80 percent coverage of all applications in the industry. Watch Tony Talbert from General explain the benefits of this extensive market coverage. Go to www.generaltire.com to learn more about General Tire.

GM's Bob Lutz Sees Opportunity in Accessories

Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman, Global Product Development for General Motors, says his company has established a group internally focused on developing a stronger accessories business and eyeing downstream opportunities. Like most OEMs, GM knows that by staying in contact with consumers via repair and other services the dealers will benefit when those customers start shopping for a new vehicle.

Fidanza: Performance and Power

Vice President Bob Scheid discusses Fidanza's street product lines, including its new twin disc clutch package aimed at offering exceptional performance and horsepower to the automotive enthusiast. Go to http://www.fidanza.com to learn more about Fidanza and its products.

Consolidation Will Accelerate

Tony Cristello, Senior V.P., BB&T Capital Markets Equity Research, says consolidation will always be a factor in the automotive aftermarket, and in fact will accelerate. There will always be someone looking for a way to make a more efficient model. And manufacturers will look for distributors with the most efficient systems. The smaller you are, the more difficult it's going to be for you, with the growing number of SKUs.

Midtronics Solutions

Battery and electro system diagnostics are mainstays of Midtronics business. During the 2007 AAPEX show in Vegas representatives Todd Stukenberg and Steve Marek introduced us to the company's newest innovation -- the inGEN Diagnostic Data Recorder. Go to www.midtronics.com to learn more about Midtronics.