MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – Motovicity Distribution, a wholesale-only automotive performance aftermarket distributor, has signed a new master distribution agreement with Hitachi Automotive Systems America Inc., parent of Tokico Performance Shocks.
With the new exclusive master distribution agreement in place, Motovicity issued a purchase order to restore the pipeline of Tokico performance springs and shocks to North America. Motovicity will support Tokico wholesale, direct accounts and retailers, in addition to providing U.S. marketing and customer support for the brand.
“This represents a brand-new start for Tokico in North America and is great news to those who have come to rely on Tokico’s OE-quality performance, depth of applications and outstanding value for decades,” said Motovicity CEO Dave Ziozios.
The all-new Tokico inventory should be up to normal distribution levels in the second quarter 2014, according to Motovicity, with some back orders being filled by the end of 2013. All previous issues with obsolete inventory have been resolved, Ziozios added.
U.S. inventory levels of Tokico product for retailers and tier suppliers dwindled over the past year after the prior master distributor was unable to meet contractual obligations.
The Japan-based Tokico has been a leading manufacturer of performance suspension systems for OEM and aftermarket applications for more than 60 years, and has enjoyed a solid reputation in the U.S. for its performance and value – especially among sports/compact enthusiasts.
“We are pleased to partner with Motovicity due to its impressive footprint in the high-performance market,” said Fred Pakshir, vice president and general manager, Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas. “We are confident their reputation for efficient order fulfillment will guarantee a seamless transition.”
With the master distribution agreement, Tokico joins Motovicity’s line of exclusive brands, including HKS, Kelford and Quaife. Currently, Motovicity distributes more than 150 of the top performance brands for the sport compact and modern muscle segments, with a better than 98 percent same-day fill rate on products ordered.
