Guest Commentary: I’ve Seen The Future and It’s Not What I Thought it Was
Industry veteran Lee Murray ponders what to expect — and what to demand — of the future aftermarket.
Herman Trend Alert: European Expectations are Mixed
Most Europeans agree (between 54 percent and 75 percent) that over the next 10 years the government will do less for them and their families financially than it has in the past decade.
Herman Trend Alert: A Look at Job Satisfaction, Unemployment and Job Growth
The Conference Board research group recently reported job satisfaction has fallen to a record low of 45 percent, the lowest level ever recorded in 22 years of surveys.
Herman Trend Alert: Looking Backward, Looking Ahead
At the suggestion of one of its readers, in this edition, Herman Trend Alert will review some of our forecasts from 2009, looking at their accuracy and perhaps extending the forecast into 2010.
Vertical Integration: This New Way is Actually Old
Some companies have found a different way of maintaining control over the production and distribution of their products. As it turns out, this way is actually about 100 years old. Will automotive aftermarket companies follow suit?
Tire Review Blog: Retail Pioneer Changed Tire Biz
Little noted in the run-up to the holidays was the Dec. 14 passing of Sol Price, 93, a man described as a “business visionary.” Certainly he changed the face of retailing — particularly tire retailing.
Herman Trend Alert: Near-Term Future of E-mail Marketing
According to the StrongMail “2010 Marketing Trends” report, 89 percent of respondents said they will either maintain or increase the amount of their marketing spending in 2010.
Herman Trend Alert: 2010 Workforce/Workplace Forecast
The business “futurists” from Herman Trend Alert give their annual predictions on what to expect in the workplace next year.
Herman Trend Alert: The Future of the Internet
Expect the changing Internet to have new and unexpected effects on many aspects of our lives, as its user interface evolves itself into more elaborate systems.
OPINION: The Choice is Yours. Or is it?
There are times my choices are limited, if or when they exist at all. There are times when all I can purchase is that which my suppliers are willing to offer. There are times when my insistence on quality as defined by a branded part is ignored.
Herman Trend Alert: The Future of Brand-Building
In the future, all brands will be reinforced using online, television or other media, possibly including mobile platforms, too.
Opinion: A Larger Sweet Spot
In the automotive aftermarket, much is written about the service sweet spot being vehicles in the six-to-10-year old range.