OE Suppliers May Drop By 50 Percent: Group Predicts Half Will Go Under by 2010
The auto industry is on track to lose half of its parts suppliers by 2010 because of escalating pressure to reduce component prices. That prediction from the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), a trade group that represents suppliers, comes in response to a new survey that found automakers are demanding more and steeper price cuts from parts makers.
“DST Asks”: The Use of Computerized Business Management Systems and their Potential for Generating ROI
Tremendous technological advances have made the use of computerized business management systems the paradigm of the aftermarket. All tiers of the supply and service chains have benefited from technology — manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, national and regional parts and service chains, multi-store independent parts and service enterprises and single-store independent parts and service facilities. Gone are the days when a capital investment in technology was merely another overhead expense. Savvy managers now know that computerized systems can become their own profit centers, generating an impressive ROI.
Executive Interview with Rich White, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, AAIA, and Executive Director of the Car Care Council
Rich White is vice president of marketing and communications for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). He oversees marketing, public relations, media relations, publications, Web sites and most recently, the Car Care Council and the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign. With National Car Care Month just around the corner, White provided aftermarketNews.com with an update on the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign and the Car Care Council’s plans for this year. He also shared how aftermarket companies can become more involved in the campaign.
The Results Are In: Seventy Percent Say AAPEX is Worth the Cost
The results are in from the first edition of “AMN Asks” — the new weekly aftermarketNews.com poll. Last week, we asked whether you thought the annual AAPEX Show in Las Vegas offers “complete value” for the amount of time and resources you spend to attend. The annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, which takes place in Las Vegas every fall, is the largest gathering of aftermarket products and people under one roof. It’s a chance to network, check out new products and attend informative seminars. It’s fast-paced and frenetic and can be a world of fun, however, on the flipside, it’s also an exhausting week of glad-handing and schmoozing in a very pricey town. Is it offering the best bang for your buck?
NAPA Names Robert Susor as President
Robert Susor will succeed Steve Handschuh as NAPA president. The decision was made following the announcement that Handschuh would be leaving NAPA to take a position as senior vice president of AZ Commercial, AutoZone’s wholesale division. Susor most recently was executive vice president of NAPA member Genuine Parts Co.
Manufacturers’ Rep Conference Slated to Take Place in Conjunction with GAAS
AAIA has announced details of its upcoming Manufacturer’s Representative Conference, which takes place in conjunction with the 2004 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. The conference, slated for May 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill., will address “Industry Partnerships – Developing Strategies for a Profitable Future.” Parts Plus President Mike Lambert is among a number of industry experts scheduled to speak at the event.
Siemens VDO Automotive Presents 2003 Rep of the Year Award
Siemens VDO Automotive has presented Mike Wirth and Doug Mathe of RepWorks Marketing with their 2003 Rep of the Year Award. RepWorks Marketing is responsible for Siemens VDO’s automotive aftermarket sales activities in California, Arizona and Nevada. RepWorks Marketing has represented Siemens VDO Automotive for approximately four years. RepWorks is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., and has an office in Phoenix, Ariz.
aftermarketNews.com Unveils New Features in 2004
aftermarketNews.com (AMN) kicks off 2004 with a number of new editorial features that will provide readers with more comprehensive industry news coverage and useful advice for improving aftermarket businesses. AMN will launch two new features in January, including “DST Asks,” a new technology-themed online reader survey sponsored by information technology services provider DST Inc. Also new this month is “AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work” which will offer applied techniques for successful implementation of business objectives. Thomas Group is a professional services firm, specializing in improving strategic business processes. Twice a month on AMN experienced Thomas Group consultants will provide practical advice for improving your bottom line.
MPA Automates Catalog and Product Management with e-Publisher
Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has partnered with Vertical Development Inc. (VDI) to consolidate its application and technical data into a single relational database. As a result, MPA’s customers can now access the latest product information linked to technical reference bulletins in a single lookup.
Coatings Manufacturer Valspar Acquires De Beer Lafkabrienken B.V.
Coatings manufacturer Valspar Corp. has purchased De Beer Lakfabrieken, a privately-owned, manufacturer and distributor of automotive refinish coatings based in The Netherlands. The acquisition includes De Beer’s subsidiaries in the U.K. and Australia. De Beer, which sells products in more than 65 countries, had sales of approximately $39 million ($50 million at current exchange rates) in 2003. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.