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.