SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Experian Automotive has been selected by Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance to provide its AutoCount Vehicles in Operation data for the Alliance’s inventory optimization tool, which will be made available to its 53 North American shareholders.

Factors influencing the automotive aftermarket, such as regional vehicle sales information and fluctuations in fuel prices, are more volatile than ever, says Experian, heightening the need for timely and accurate market intelligence for aftermarket parts organizations when deciding which parts they’ll need to stock and where. The inventory optimization tool will provide Alliance members with timely and accurate local vehicle information, allowing them to stock inventory that matches current market needs.

“The game has changed in the aftermarket, as timely and accurate market information is now an essential component for success,” said Alliance President and CEO Richard Morgan. “The AutoCount Vehicles in Operation data provided by Experian Automotive brings the most up-to-date market information available to our inventory optimization tool. This gives our member organizations a significant, competitive advantage when it comes to how they stock their warehouses and, in turn, how they help their customers understand the parts that are right for their market.”

Experian Automotive’s AutoCount Vehicles in Operation database consists of nearly 250 million light vehicles and information is updated within six weeks of the end of each quarter.

“The timely market information available through our AutoCount Vehicles in Operation database is a powerful asset for aftermarket organizations in helping them better understand what vehicles are on the road, identify the unique parts needs for local markets and act on that knowledge to make profitable inventory decisions,” said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. “Applying this information to Alliance’s inventory optimization tool is a powerful step forward for all its members in remaining competitive in today’s volatile industry.”