The Pulse Archives - aftermarketNews
The Pulse: How’s Business? Quarter-To-Quarter Automotive Aftermarket Price Analysis From TLG Research

In this installment of “The Pulse,” TLG Research looks at the economic trends influencing third quarter 2014 pricing changes for various parts and service categories. Here are TLG’s thoughts on the matter, including the continued impact of high unemployment, and strategies for pricing.

The Pulse: NPD Report Reveals Heavy Precipitation Spurs Windshield Wiper Growth … Up To A Point

The good news for windshield wiper manufacturers and retailers is that heavy precipitation in the first half of the year resulted in a lot of wiper sales, the not-so-good news is that heavy precipitation in July didn’t get the same result, finds The NPD Group, a leading global information company.

The Pulse: How Shops Source Clutch Kits

This category has one of the lowest numbers of sources for shops (2.2 on average), meaning, once they chose a source, they tend to stick with it.

The Pulse: DIY And DIFM Consumer Sentiment Trends, Part Two

Today on “The Pulse,” we look at recent data from IMR Research on consumer auto parts purchasing trends in the do-it-for me (DIFM) and the do-it-yourself (DIY) segments.

The Pulse: How Shops Source Chassis Parts

Like many categories, brand is key when it comes to chassis parts, with a whopping 83 percent of survey respondents reporting that they only use a brand they trust.

The Pulse: DIY And DIFM Consumer Sentiment Trends

It appears that age plays at least some part in the amount of money consumers are willing to spend maintaining their vehicles, according to the latest data from IMR Research.

The Pulse: How Shops Source Catalytic Converters

Thirty-five percent pick jobbers as their primary source for catalytic converters, with 41 percent saying best sales reps are what keep them coming back to their first call.

The Pulse: How Shops Source Brake Friction

With 99 percent of shops doing friction installation, it’s imperative that the right friction is available when needed.

The Pulse: How’s Business? Quarter-To-Quarter Automotive Aftermarket Price Analysis From TLG Research

Summer has hit – as have continuing economic issues for many, resulting in continued pressure on maintenance and preventative operations, says TLGR.

The Pulse: What DIYers Do First Before Purchasing A Part

“Clearly, as consumers age, they have a higher tendency to visit the store first,” said Bill Thompson, president of IMR.

The Pulse: How Shops Source Belts & Hoses

Belts and hoses, being common repair items, are stocked fairly well at the shop level, as far as fast-moving SKUs are concerned. On average, shops that responded to the Counterman Professional Automotive Repair Technician Survey (P.A.R.T.S.) say they perform six jobs per month requiring belts and hoses. Forty-seven percent of shops keep these parts in stock, and when it comes time to re-stock, they rely on an average of three different sources.

The Pulse: IMR Research On DIY Parts Purchases

In the majority of cases, the DIYers themselves make their own decisions.