LAS VEGAS — The Automotive Distribution Network held its first joint International convention between Parts Plus and Independent Auto Parts of America (IAPA), Feb. 11-14 at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas . The convention was the biggest event in the history of the program group, with more than 1400 attendees, including representatives from 152 supplier companies, as well as members of the trade press.

Aptly named “Fusion ’07,” the convention was not only a fusion of Parts Plus and IAPA, but it was a “fusion of people, training, parts and technology,” according to Rick Levy, chairman of the Network.

The convention certainly was a fusion of all those things, with training and networking as main focuses. “By speaking with other attendees you will quickly understand how much we all have in common — how your problems really are not that different from someone who is a thousand miles away,” Mike Lambert, president of the Network said. “The more you participate, the more you get out of it.”

Attendees heeded Lambert’s advice to learn and participate by filling the seats of the seminars. The first seminar, “Parts People are From Venus, Installers are From Mars,” was conducted by Mac McGovern, director of training and marketing for KYB America. McGovern discussed the seemingly large differences between parts people and service dealers and the tension that exists between the two groups. But with awareness, understanding, desire and action, parts people and service dealers can learn to work together and actually help one another to grow their businesses, McGovern said.

Another heavily attended seminar, “Opportunities in Hybrid Vehicle Service” was conducted by Dave Scaler, director for the Mechanic’s Education Association. According to Scaler, a lot of technicians are afraid to repair hybrid vehicles because they think it’s too difficult or they think they’ll ruin the car. But with hybrid vehicle sales expected to reach 675,000 units in two years, it’s a skill that has to be learned. And, from what Scaler says, is actually pretty easy.

Other seminar topics included sales management, profit building, customer service, leadership and forming solid business relationships. Another learning opportunity offered to attendees was a question-and-answer vendor forum on Tuesday morning. The panel included: Bob Egan, vice president of aftermarket sales for Federal-Mogul; John Washbish, president of customer-relations management for Affinia; John Gethin, president and COO of Standard Motor Products; and Frank Ordonez , vice president of Delphi Corporation and president of Delphi Product & Service Solutions. Babcox Group Publisher Jon Owens moderated the proceedings and Mike Lambert was also on hand to participate.

The vendor forum centered around key issues facing independent jobbers and service dealers, specifically, form, fit and function issues, warranty issues and the presence of lower performing p rod ucts from around the globe. Dennis Call, manager for Pittsfield Sanel Auto Parts, New Hampshire , wanted to know why it takes so long for part numbers to be released. Ordonez responded, “We try to get the part out as soon as we can. We’re dealing with OE and the aftermarket. Sometimes there’s a three year lag with an OE part.” Washbish added, “One of the balances a supplier should look for, is am I stronger OE or aftermarket? If you’re more aftermarket, you’re hands are tied.”

The forum was filled with similar questions, but perhaps the most important question was asked at the very end by Owens: “How well positioned is the industry to thrive in the future?”

Gethin was first to answer: “We’re in decent shape, but there’s a lot of room for improvement. We’ve got to do a better job with form, fit and function, cataloging and training,” he said. “Our direction is to be more competitive, train and communicate.”

Egan also sees a bright future for the aftermarket: “This is a good business. This business is a growth business. We have to be more flexible and more global and we must work together.”

Washbish on the other hand, offered a different perspective on the subject. “We have a lot of trouble. Attracting people to our industry is the biggest task we all have,” Washbish said. “Dealerships are out-marketing us. A lot of techs and shop owners aren’t educating themselves and their shops don’t look good. As an industry we have to focus on the installer and make it an attractive industry. We need to teach repair skills and business skills. We have to win the battle.”

It’s clear that winning that battle is also a goal of the Network. According to Gil Gunn , director of wholesale and marketing for the Network, they will continue to provide the best programs, training and business support needed for their independent service dealers to prosper and grow.

Gunn discussed a lengthy list of tools available to members, including the Automotive Service Professionals Car Care Center Program that recently began p rod uct rebate promotions to help save customers money, a postage paid pre-addressed customer service card, a warranty program, appropriate signage for windows and doors and ASE money rebates. The Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN), a new segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, is also available. As a CCPN member, one can enjoy networking, representation, free job posting through AAIA’s aftermarket career center, a Be Car Care Aware starter kit and signage and stickers, among other opportunities.

“There are a lot of tools available through the Automotive Service Professionals Car Care Center Program to benefit your shop, but just like the tools in your toolbox, they can’t make you any money in the box,” Gunn said. “You have to take them out and use them.”