Thursday, June 19, 2008

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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

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.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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.

Friday, June 13, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

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.

Friday, June 6, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

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.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

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.