Arrival Of Automotive Lighting Season Underscores Benefits Of Latest Wagner In-Store Merchandising Tools
Along with trick-or-treaters, bonfires and football, the fall is known for automotive maintenance, including replacing or upgrading vehicle headlamps for increased driving safety. Federal-Mogul’s Wagner Lighting brand reminds automotive parts retailers and service providers that keeping their lighting displays and other merchandising tools up to date is key to capturing this high-volume seasonal sales opportunity.
MAHLE Clevite Introduces New ‘Smart PART(ner)’ Campaign
MAHLE Clevite Inc. has introduced its new “SMART PART(ner)” campaign, directed at all aftermarket partners. According to MAHLE, the new campaign highlights the added benefits technicians receive when selecting a MAHLE part, and the enhanced partnership established with distributors when they choose MAHLE Clevite. Added benefits include technical expertise, superior customer service and product training support.
National Headlamp Month, End Of Daylight Saving Time Underscore Importance Of Ensuring A Safe View Of The Road
Maintaining a clear view of the road is important to safe driving no matter what the season, but fall brings added attention to driving visibility thanks to October’s status as National Headlamp Month and the end of Daylight Saving Time on November 3.
Identifying Your Target Customer Helps Maximize Your Marketing Dollars
Ever notice how in upscale neighborhoods, even the fast food restaurants are nicer? Instead of a bright red roof and the famous golden arches, the McDonald’s in ritzy Aspen, CO, for example, boasts a second-floor fireplace and is housed in a sedate red brick building that blends in seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. The fancier digs reflect McDonald’s understanding that its target market in Aspen is far different than its target market in Akron, OH. The same idea holds true in the automotive repair world, but, unfortunately, too many shop owners fail to realistically identify their ideal market or customer.
Executive Interview: Fran Labun, Vice President, Sales Group, DENSO Products & Services Americas, Inc.
Fran Labun is vice president of the Sales Group for DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc., the Long Beach-based affiliate of Japan-based DENSO Corporation. He oversees automotive aftermarket and OES sales for the Americas; U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin and South Americas. Labun also oversees the product development and sales for Heavy Duty OES and aftermarket channels and directs the DENSO non-automotive product lines for robotics, heat management and hand scanners.
New AAPEX Photo Booth Lets Attendees Share The Fun
Attendees are invited to bring their best smiles, funny faces and friends to the new ChirpE photo booths at the upcoming Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
Winners Of Raybestos Brakes ‘Go Green’ Promo Go To The Races
On October 12, two lucky winners and their guests joined representatives from Raybestos brand brakes at the Sprint Cup Series Race in Charlotte. The race weekend was the grand prize in this year’s Raybestos brakes “Go Green” sweepstakes and promotion.
2013 SEMA Show On Track To Exceed 2,500 Exhibitors
The SEMA Show, the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, is shaping up this year to be one of the strongest in the event’s 47-year history, a good sign the business of vehicle personalization, customization and preservation is rebounding.
ACDelco To Introduce GM OE TECHMs At AAPEX Show
ACDelco will introduce GM Original Equipment Transmission Hydraulic Control Modules (TECHMs), found in all GM six-speed automatic transmissions, at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Nov. 5-7 in Las Vegas.
Don’t Let A Customer Compromise Policy
A women came to the shop a few weeks ago asking for a donation for her son’s baseball team. The woman has come to us for minor service work a few times, but she’s not one of our loyal regulars. After we gave her the donation, she thanked us and made an appointment for her car.
A Powerful Tip For Shop Owners
Competition continues to heat up in this industry. New car dealer operations continue to close, franchise operations are consolidating, and, sadly, some independent shops are going away. What can you do? I’ve worked with a few very bright shop owners who do a great job of keeping their fingers on the pulse of the industry.
Wagner Brake Helps Consumers And Installers Recognize Certification Markings On Low-Copper Brake Pad Packaging
Federal-Mogul’s Wagner Brake brand is reaching out to automotive parts distributors and service providers to increase awareness of the new packaging “LeafMark” designation covering “low copper” compliant brake pads. Recent legislation in California and Washington has mandated the dramatic reduction of copper and other potentially hazardous substances in original equipment and replacement brake pads and shoes.
