CHARLOTTE, N.C. – One of the most highly anticipated presentations at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s (AASA) 2015 Vision Conference, which took place March 16-17 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., was the discussion of the recent merger of Pronto and Federated into the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group).
Bill Maggs, president and CEO, National Pronto Association and co-CEO, Automotive Parts Services Group, and Larry Pavey, president, Federated Auto Parts, gave “The Scoop on The Group,” to the audience of more than 200 members of AASA, the light vehicle aftermarket of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).
“We are in a business where change is constant and we all have to look at how to adapt to a changing market. It is also important to anticipate change and position to take advantage of it and the leadership of both Pronto and Federated did just that,” Maggs said.
Maggs and Pavey noted that, while quality and availability of parts are still important, data may actually be the biggest differentiator in the market in the future.
“We believe that substantial investment is required in this area and we will be working together to maximize effectiveness,” Maggs said. “The ability to provide accurate and timely information will help us all create added value in the products you provide while reducing non-value costs and creating differentiation through enhanced user experiences.”
The goal of the Pronto/Federated merger is to have competitive scope while maintaining flexibility and an entrepreneurial approach, Pavey observed.
“The structure of the group is built on trust and respect. Everything is based on a 50/50 relationship. This means pure equality in every decision from industry communications to supplier decisions,” he said. “The Group has co-CEOs with Rusty Bishop and Bill Maggs managing the combined enterprise and the separate entities. This simply makes it work.
“The value in this merger comes in the mutual respect of both their management and members,” Maggs added. “Our focus is on building value for the members we serve, finding ways to better serve customers and suppliers, and creating opportunities for associates. In short, The Group was created to provide a vehicle for collaboration to improve everything we do,” he concluded.
A 360° view of future opportunities through technology was another featured presentation at the 2015 AASA Vision Conference. Moderator Ray Swetman, president of MacRay Group, facilitated a group of leaders in aftermarket technology in a discussion of “V2V, V2I, Connected Car, Telematics and the Aftermarket.” Panelists were Chris Bahlman, head of diagnostics and services – North America, Continental Automotive Systems; Philippe Desnos, president, Delphi Product & Service Solutions; Dave Frearson, vice president, global engineering, CARDONE Industries; and Ronald Muetzel, technical support systems manager, ZF Services LLC.
The afternoon Vision Conference agenda also included:
- “What Actually Will Happen to the Economy, Industry and Manufacturing,” Jason Schenker, president, Prestige Economics LLC
- “View of MEMA’s Legislative and Regulatory Influence and Results,” Ann Wilson, senior vice president, MEMA
- Growing Opportunities in China,” Todd Campau, aftermarket products manager, Americas, IHS Automotive
- “Mexico: The Next Growth Area,” John Price, managing director, Americas Market Intelligence
AASA President and COO Bill Long concluded the event with his “360° View of Future Aftermarket Opportunities,” challenging members to “innovate a view of the future.”
