VALLEY CITY, Ohio – Schaeffler Group USA’s Aftermarket Division recently hosted the Automotive Aftermarket Parts Alliance Service Dealer Advisory (ASDA) Council at its LuK Automotive Training Academy located in Wooster, Ohio.
 
The event, which took place Oct. 3-5, was attended by 10 key independent automotive repair shops owners that represent the more than 3,000 affiliated Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Certified service centers across the United States and Canada.    
 
The prestigious council meets annually with Alliance headquarters personnel for the primary purpose of reviewing and sharing ideas to better improve service and programs with the Alliance group members, and ultimately with the customers of their respective shops. The fundamental goal of the group is to ensure all associated professional technicians have access to the key resources necessary to be "best in class" in their field.
 
During the event, the Schaeffler Group personnel conducted a plant tour of the LuK manufacturing facility, where the advisory council saw the latest in torque converter and clutch manufacturing technologies. Following the plant tour, the Schaeffler Group spent time with the advisory council to identify how they could better train and equip today’s professional shop owner to service their customers seeking a clutch installation more effectively.  
 
Jon Owens, vice president of sales and market development for the Alliance Group, stated, “We could not have asked for a better facility along with the hospitality that the Schaeffler Group offered to all of our attendees. This was a very productive and successful meeting for our ASDA Council.”  
 
Bill Hanvey, Schaeffler Group’s vice president of sales and marketing, added, “This was a unique opportunity to get 10 of the most successful shop owners affiliated with the Alliance Group in one room to discuss the needs of the modern shop owner; we value their feedback and perspective on better marketing our products.”