LAS VEGAS — Willi Alexander of Uni-Select, was named the 2009-2010 chairman of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) board of governors on Sunday during the AWDA’s Annual Business Conference in Las Vegas.
Alexander takes the reins from outgoing chairman, Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts.
"There’s no doubt we live in interesting times," Alexander told the capacity crowd. "Changes in government; the new world order in banking and finance; a dramatic restructuring of the car business. Our days are filled with challenges and opportunities and sometimes, it’s difficult to tell which is which."
Alexander told the audience they must never ignore the basic tenet of the aftermarket distribution industry: "We must relentlessly focus on the needs of our customers."
"The new reality is, we have to be prepared for whatever challenges and opportunities the future holds," Alexander said. "Thankfully, our industry has weathered these challenging times relatively well."
Alexander reviewed the three major elements of the AWDA strategic plan: advocacy, networking and leadership. "In times of uncertainty, leadership is incredibly important," he said. "Take a look around you. This is the largest attendance by WDs at the AWDA conference in over five years. In the face of a very challenging year. We not only beat all attendance predictions, we crushed them."
Alexander reminded the audience that answers to problems can come from all corners. "At Uni-Select, we have a saying: ‘None of us is smarter than all of us,’ " he added.
Earlier, during the AWDA executing briefing, Bruce Weld Edwards, a former GM executive, spoke about the challenges and opportunities that exist in the wake of the closing of so many new car dealerships.
"It’s the responsibility of the car manufacturers to make it profitable for the dealers. It doesn’t work, it’s the fault of the car manufacturers," he said. "If you want to know where GM wants to be, look at where Toyota is."
He challenged those in attendance. "I would ask you. What’s the aftermarket’s promise to its customers? Can you say it in a sentence? If you can’t, maybe you need to think about it."
Also yesterday, R.L. Polk’s Bryan Funke addressed the changing landscape for the aftermarket since the closing of the dealerships.
