2017 AAPEX Product Plus & AAPEX Express
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By Counterman
Six in 10 automotive businesses expect demand for aftermarket parts and services to grow this year. That’s according to
link hidden, please login to view by the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo ( link hidden, please login to view). Open-ended commentary points to higher new vehicle prices, which are causing consumers to hang onto their existing vehicles longer, as the driving force for rising demand in the aftermarket. “The price of new cars is high, so people are purchasing, repairing and maintaining older vehicles,” wrote one respondent. “People are keeping their cars for longer periods of time,” noted another. “Price of new cars justifies repairs on older vehicles,” noted a third.
One caveat to that finding is that price sensitivity shows up in the aftermarket, too. The majority (53%) have observed more interest in lower-cost parts and services. However, customer motivation appears to be focused on value, rather than pure cost savings. Respondents said quality (34%) was the top influence of buying preference, followed by price (25%) and availability (20%).
Perhaps as a consequence, respondents said their business’s sales expectations for this year are flat, compared to sales performance the year prior. This reinforces the aftermarket’s reputation for stability no matter what’s happening with the economy.
Uncertainty is the Top Challenge
Respondents identified the top challenge as “uncertainty” (45%), which was a recurring theme throughout the findings. Many aftermarket businesses are engrossed in supply chain diversification initiatives, carrying higher inventory levels, and struggling to find skilled labor.
Among the other key findings are the following:
Customer service is the top AI initiative. About one-fifth (21%) of respondents have implemented enterprise-grade AI tools and another 20% are in the planning stages. Of those implementing enterprise AI, the top areas of AI investment are customer service (60%), inventory management (42%) and product development (36%). Supply chain diversification. 70% of respondents have completed diversifying their suppliers (6%), are in the planning stages (18%), or have plans in progress (46%). Inventories are on the rise. 38% of respondents are managing higher inventories of parts, compared to 20% who say they are managing fewer parts. Electric vehicle (EV) investments. More respondents (26%) said they will invest less in the EV segment, compared to 17% who will invest more. Another 27% said they will invest about the same as last year. Notably, the largest share of respondents (29%) remains uncertain about EV investments. Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage
Attracting skilled talent ranked second on the list of the top three challenges. Repair shops struggle with this because automotive technicians are retiring faster than the industry can replace them. The problem is compounded by the fact that demand for repair and maintenance services is rising.
When asked about the steps their business is taking to address the shortage, respondents pointed to an array of enticements. These include offering more training (30%), boosting compensation (27%) and improving benefits (22%), among other steps.
However, 25% of respondents aren’t taking any of those actions. In open-ended comments, respondents offered a variety of answers ranging from hiring retired people part-time to employing temporary help. One respondent commented [that we] “just stopped looking for help.”
It’s important to note that it’s not just repair shops that need skilled labor in the aftermarket. Respondents who work in manufacturing comprised the second largest demographic in this survey, following repair shops.
One manufacturing respondent wrote in to offer a solution, calling for “a national apprenticeship program that is deeply integrated into the manufacturing sector.” That person later added that technical institutes should synchronize their curricula with the “real-time needs of the factory floor.”
The full report is freely available for download (no registration required) on the AAPEX blog:
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By Counterman
Schaeffler announced its LuK TorCon torque converter product line has expanded with the release of the LuK 8L90 TorCon. The company said the 8L90 TorCon is engineered to outperform rebuilt alternatives up to five times longer.
Replacement Process and In-House Manufacturing
Designed to streamline the replacement process, the LuK 8L90 TorCon eliminates the need for model-specific cores that are typically required in torque converter rebuilding. The 8L90 TorCon is in stock and ready for installation.
link hidden, please login to view said it is manufactured to precise standards using all-new components and advanced manufacturing processes and is designed and built in-house from raw material to final assembly. Materials and Testing
Featuring LuK friction materials and INA premium thrust bearings, the LuK TorCon is engineered to withstand extreme operating conditions. Its fully furnace-brazed fins improve heat dissipation, reduce wear, and enhance long-term durability. The contamination-free manufacturing process includes 100% pressure and lockup testing, along with precision balancing, according to the company.
Applications and VIO
The LuK TorCon product line supports a broad range of applications for passenger cars and pickup trucks. Schaeffler said its expertise in manufacturing OE torque converters allows it to capture several applications through a single SKU.
The TorCon (TC0020) is compatible with select 2015 to 2022 General Motors trucks, vans and SUVs equipped with 8L90 transmissions. It covers multiple engines and has a current VIO of over 700,000, offering versatility when choosing a new torque converter.
link hidden, please login to view plans to release additional SKUs in the coming months.
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By Counterman
MEYLE North America announced the expansion of its product portfolio with the introduction of 10 new aftermarket components, now covering more than 11 million vehicles in operation across the region.
Domestic vehicle applications
The latest release includes automatic transmission fluid parts kits designed for domestic vehicle applications, including Dodge and Chrysler models. The expansion addresses the evolving needs of a diverse North American vehicle parc.
New product lineup
2 automatic transmission fluid (ATK) parts kits 2 headlight leveling sensors 2 park pilot sensors 1 automatic transmission hydraulic filter kit 1 control arm set 1 drive shaft 1 wheel hub The post
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By Counterman
MEYLE North America announced the expansion of its product portfolio with the introduction of 10 new aftermarket components, now covering more than 11 million vehicles in operation across the region.
Domestic vehicle applications
The latest release includes automatic transmission fluid parts kits designed for domestic vehicle applications, including Dodge and Chrysler models. The expansion addresses the evolving needs of a diverse North American vehicle parc.
New product lineup
2 automatic transmission fluid (ATK) parts kits 2 headlight leveling sensors 2 park pilot sensors 1 automatic transmission hydraulic filter kit 1 control arm set 1 drive shaft 1 wheel hub The post
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view has named Chris Sanchez vice president of product category management. Sanchez brings 22 years of aftermarket experience from Trimon, Inc. (dba as Monument Car Parts), headquartered in Northern California. During his career, Sanchez held nearly every role in the organization, starting as a counter professional and progressing through store management and district leadership before moving into a general management role with responsibility for human resources, IT, safety, purchasing and marketing. That hands-on background gives him a strong understanding of how decisions at the category level impact stores, teams and customers, Arnold Motor Supply said.
Sanchez also served on the product committee for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance for the past four years, where he worked closely with manufacturers and distribution partners on product planning and channel partner relationships. “I’m excited about the opportunity to build on what Arnold Motor Supply already does well,” Sanchez said. “There’s a strong foundation here, and I’m looking forward to learning the business, working with the team, and helping move things forward.” Sanchez succeeds Bryan Miller, who is transitioning into retirement later this year.
“Chris is a natural fit for our company,” said Eric Johnson, president and managing partner of
link hidden, please login to view. “He understands our products and markets and has strong, established channel partner relationships. Coming from Trimon, an Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance member, he also understands how working within the Alliance strengthens our industry and creates value for customers. His experience and approach align well with how we do business.” The post
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