MIDLAND, Mich. – The University of the Aftermarket hosted 50 motor vehicle aftermarket professionals at its annual “Aftermarket 101” program held June 10-11 in Southfield, Mich.
Specifically created for new employees in the automotive or heavy-duty aftermarket, the Aftermarket 101 program seeks to provide participants with a better understanding of the industry, its structure and trends. Program attendees were all relatively new to the aftermarket industry, with tenure averaging less than six months.
The annual program was offered in partnership with the Auto Care Association. The classroom portion of the day-and-a-half program was held at Federal-Mogul Motorparts headquarters, while the warehouse tour was hosted by Automotive Distribution Network member United Automotive Supply in Warren, Mich.
Instructors, who averaged 25 years of experience in the industry, touched on a wide range of topics, including channels of distribution, industry jargon, major trends, legislative issues, industry history, customer challenges, telematics and the global aftermarket. The warehouse tour exposed participants to the realities of a traditional warehouse distribution setting, with United Auto Supply management discussing their challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing distribution landscape.
Participants received 1.2 credits toward completion of their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. The next Aftermarket 101 program will be held in the early summer of 2015.
