GERMANTOWN,
Tenn. – The Automotive Distribution Network recently hosted Australia’s
Automotive Brands Group (ABG) to discuss worldwide aftermarket trends as well
as their respective marketing programs, manufacturer partnerships and IT
initiatives.

“As part of our ongoing relationship with ABG, we
continue to exchange information to strengthen our programs to ensure our
mutual success,” said Mike Lambert, president of the Network. “Both groups also
gain a much better understanding of how the industry functions in different
parts of the world. We share our knowledge of operations in North America,
while ABG offers their perspective on aftermarket trends in Australia and the
Pacific Rim.”

Australia’s largest privately owned distributor
and franchise operator, ABG provides independently owned auto stores and
service dealers with business tools and marketing elements to more effectively
compete, much like the Network’s Parts Plus and Auto Pride programs. This year,
executives from ABG met with Network representatives in Tucson, where they
toured the facilities of longtime Parts Plus member Merle’s Automotive Supply.

“With the Network, we have been able to begin to
implement aspects of their Parts Plus Car Care Center program into our
toolbox,” said Grant Jarrett, ABG general manager. “We look forward to
continuing these discussions with the Network as we both identify new
initiatives that will not only better our respective groups but the industry as
a whole as well.”