R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry: The Value of New Vehicle Information for Product and Inventory Planning
Every year, there are more than 100 new vehicle launches and changes that significantly affect the landscape of the automotive industry. What impact do these new vehicles have on your company and the industry? How important is receiving timely new vehicle information to your product and inventory planning? These questions were asked of AMN readers and aftermarket executives working within various segments of the automotive aftermarket – including warehouse distribution, manufacturing and collision repair. And, what stands out most among all the comments were heard is the emphasis on the need for timely information.
Publisher’s Perspective: Debate Over Delivery Charges Heats Up
In a column I wrote for the April issue of Counterman , I suggested that it may be time for all parts stores (retail chain, independent and WD-owned) and two-step WD’s to implement delivery service charges to their delivery customers in light of today’s unprecedented gas prices. The article invoked many responses, and I was informed yesterday that the topic is a hot discussion item down at the annual Alliance shareholders meeting in Nashville , Tenn. Much to my delight, many entities across the market are taking this issue seriously, however it won’t be until ALL entities are bold enough to step forward that charging for delivery service becomes a reality.
Executive Interview with Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts
In this week’s Executive Interview, we hear from Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. Read on to learn more about Federated’s recent spike in membership, and Bishop’s thoughts on such issues as consolidation, branding and sourcing product from overseas.
Massachusetts Legislative Committee OKs Right to Repair Bill, Bill Now Heads to Ways and Means Committee for Review
Following extensive debate, a Massachusetts legislative committee has approved legislation (HB 296) that will provide independent repair shops the same access to diagnostic repair information and tools that car companies made available to their franchised dealers. The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure voted to report the landmark legislation out of committee favorably where it will next appear before the Committee on Ways and Means. The legislation is co-sponsored by state Rep. Vincent Pedone(D-Worcester), and state Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).
Three More Auto Repair Groups Endorse Passage of Right to Repair Bill
BOSTON, Mass. – Three additional independent automotive repair organizations have announced their support for the Right to Repair bill currently before the Massachusetts Legislature on the eve of what is expected to be a critical vote by the committee that has been considering the legislation. The Right to Repair bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Vincent
Delphi Turnaround Plan Will Take Time Says Miller
Delphi Corp. Executive Chairman Steve Miller says the auto parts maker’s turnaround plan is generating $20 billion to $30 billion per year in new business that will be an engine of growth for the company when it exits bankruptcy protection. Leaving Chapter 11 will take more time, however. In the face of declining U.S. auto sales, tight capital markets have made investors wary about the Troy, Mich.-based company, making it difficult to pull together the financing it needs.
Auto Pride Speaker: Language is the Culprit in Lost Sales Opportunities
Mac McGovern believes the key for suppliers to sell more parts to repair shops comes down to language. It’s both about how countermen refer to technicians and how repair shops approach their business. “The parts industry’s responsibility is to teach the repair shops how to approach the customers,” said McGovern, who owned his own repair shop for 30 years. He’s now director of training for KYB America. He spoke during Saturday morning’s keynote address, titled “Parts people are from Venus, Installers are from Mars,” at Auto Pride’s annual meeting at the JW Marriott resort in Orlando, Fla.
BASF Sponsors Automotive Educational Day
BASF Automotive Refinish Solutions recently cooperated with Autorama and the International Show Car Association (ISCA), which sanctions the largest group of indoor car shows produced in the United States and Canada, to host an educational day for Michigan area students who participate in automotive classes. According to the ISCA, 3,300 students representing more than 60 high schools and community colleges throughout Michigan and a few out-of-state institutions attended the 2008 event held at Cobo Hall in Detroit.
American Axle Strike Tips U.S. Nearer Recession as GM, Suppliers Idle Workers
At the beginning of this year, it seemed like Detroit’s great labor battles were over, after industry-changing deals at the Detroit automakers and the likes of parts giant Delphi Corp. But now, as the UAW strike against American Axle & Manufacturing moves through its second month with no end in sight — talks have been sparse with little progress made on key issues — the auto industry’s latest labor dispute has become about more than wage and benefit cuts for a few thousand workers.
Tata Group Buying Jaguar, Land Rover: Move Reflects India’s Growing Power
The world got a little flatter Wednesday as India’s Tata Motors said it was buying two storied automotive brands, Jaguar and Land Rover, from Ford Motor. The $2.3 billion deal reflects India’s growing presence as an international economic player. Led by Tata Group, India has begun to emerge as a global powerhouse.