CHICAGO – Three Chicago-area automotive repair shop owners are ready to help manufacturers and distributors understand what is important to them at the 2013 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scheduled for May 21-22 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. "What Shops Really Need" is a panel discussion led by Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive of the Automotive Service Association (ASA). Panelists include: Bob Shanahan, owner of DuPage Tire and Auto; John Vallely, owner of McLean Auto Repair; and Dave Walter, owner of Kehoe Automotive Center Inc.
 
Walter says he wants suppliers to understand that he doesn’t necessarily need the latest promotion or the cheapest part. "We want something that’s going to work," he explained. "We only get paid to do the job once, so we want it done right the first time. We need availability along with the brands we trust and at a reasonable price."
 
Vallely agrees about the need for quality parts. He says promotions can work at his shop if they benefit customers. "To sell a bunch of parts to get our employees a trip doesn’t really help our business," said Vallely of his 43-year old repair shop in Elgin, Ill. "If we can offer a rebate to a customer, then that’s good for our advertising and our marketing and a win-win for our business."
 
Shanahan has been in business for more than 25 years and says his job as a shop is to represent the consumer. "We become the advocate for the customer to choose the right quality, brand name part and the one we would put on our own car," said Shanahan. "Customers usually take our advice. We don’t hear customers saying, ‘cheap, cheap, cheap’ or ‘price, price, price.’ They want a quality repair and at a fair price."
 
GAAS 2013, with a theme of "Driving Change," brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the worldwide automotive aftermarket and influencing its future. For the first time ever, GAAS 2013 will feature breakout sessions and is co-located with the Aftermarket eForum, May 22-23. Be sure to take advantage of discount hotel rates at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare of $177 per night (single or double) plus tax. This guaranteed rate is good through April 19, 2013.
 
Each year, the net proceeds of GAAS are invested in the organization’s scholarship fund to help students get their automotive aftermarket career started. Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions from individuals, companies and foundations. To date, GAAS has awarded scholarships to more than 1,600 students representing $1.6 million in aid. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com.
 
To register for GAAS 2013, visit www.globalsymposium.org or phone 301-654-6664. You can also connect with GAAS through Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.