LAS VEGAS — AAPEX attendees wishing to learn more about the fast-changing and growing import nameplate aftermarket, are invited to attend the timely new seminar, "Today’s Escalating Import Car Parc: How to Capitalize on More Than Just the ‘Fast Movers’," on Thursday, Nov. 4, from 7:30-9 a.m., as well as the popular "Selling Parts for Imports: Did You Ever Consider Listening to Your Customer? The Installer’s View," on Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 7:30- a.m. Both sessions are sponsored by the Auto International Association (AIA), the iport sgment of AAIA, and will be held in the Venetian Hotel, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706.
The seismic shift in import vs. domestic nameplate market share – reaching 55.8 percent of 2009 new vehicle sales – took years to occur. But, the impacts are immediate for all aftermarket channel players serving the surging numbers of import nameplates now coming of prime aftermarket repair age. In "Today’s Escalating Import Car Parc,” presenters Jeff Anderson and Justin Cooper of Experian Automotive will lead a discussion of what manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers must do to adapt to the changing mix, focusing on four key areas.
(1) Service Implications – Surging electronic content in vehicles puts a new twist on diagnostic procedures and increases repair and service complexity, challenging even the most astute technicians to gain more skills and expertise. And, with the average vehicle age on the rise, particularly imports, independent repair shops can turn repair challenges into opportunities.
(2) Parts Availability – “Captive” vehicle components, such as sensors, switches, modules and the like, which are typically available only through the dealer network, need to become more readily available in the aftermarket with greater import application coverage, to offer service providers greater choices in parts procurement and pricing. Parts manufacturers and distributors will increase their share of the lucrative import parts replacement market in the process.
(3) Customer Relations – Shop owners and technicians need to educate their customers about how their vehicles are fast becoming “computers on wheels,” and ensure them they have the training, skills, equipment and expertise to efficiently and accurately service the diverse volume of import vehicles on the roads.
(4) New Service Opportunities – Newer technologies, such as clean diesel and hybrid, will present expanding opportunities for parts and service providers who are adequately trained and equipped to meet both today’s and tomorrow’s vehicle service needs.
“Selling Parts for Imports” on Nov. 2 offers attendees a discussion from the shop owners and car care professionals on the front line, and with import repairs representing the majority of their business, about what they specifically want and need from their auto parts suppliers. This year’s panelists include: Tom Lund, Alta View Tires & Service, Sandy, Utah; Nikki Ayers, Ayers Automotive Repairs, Santa Barbara, Calif.; Steve Saunders, Meineke Car Care Centers, Yorktown, Va.; and Bernie Moyers, Olympus Imported Auto Parts Corp., Alexandria, Va. Former AIA chairman, Marty Gold, S-G Imported Car Parts, will moderate the session.
Participants will learn about the key factors that influence vendor choice; ingredients for a productive relationship; and experiences and viewpoints from leading aftermarket professionals.
For more information on all AAPEX Educational Seminars, visit the AAPEX website.
