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.