SearchAutoParts is the place to get preview information for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), and real-time coverage during the event. Find it here first!
Exploring new strategies for business stability and success in the aftermarket is the key focus for the 2009 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). And hopefully attendees will walk away with improved knowledge and ideas for tackling market challenges, says David Caracci, chairman of the GAAS Board of Directors. Keep reading.
Think about all of the new technology you've seen on vehicles in the last five years. Or the parts you've had to request that you might not have been asking for just a few years ago. That technology isn't going to stop any time soon, either. Keep reading.
Doing more with less is a key challenge for manufacturers during economic turmoil — but there are ways to stay afloat despite instability, according to one Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) presenter.
“One of the biggest challenges all companies face during an economic downturn is doing more with less: less revenues, less people and less resources in general,” says Jack Cameron, vice president, program & member services — members satisfaction for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), GAAS moderator. “Another challenge is maintaining an uninterrupted supply of raw materials to meet customer demand.” Keep reading.
Amid a changing economic and vehicle landscape, understanding customers and their needs is more important than ever to ensure the aftermarket remains successful. So what do consumers want? One company has asked and is ready to share the answers. Keep reading.
The aftermarket industry needs to learn how to sail in bad conditions, without wind, to ensure success and smooth waters ahead, says David Caracci, chairman of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, during the event?s opening session. Keep reading.
Bill Haas doubts that you'll see a Mecedes Benz SLR Coupe in your shop or get a call for parts from a shop customer any time soon. But Haas says this automotive technology will be seen on other vehicles and is important to grasp. Keep reading.
The recession and financial woes that have impacted the automotive industry “have forced us to analyze our businesses with a different set of eyes,” says Jeff Brekke, president, Automotive Aftermarket, with the Gates Corporation. But the major benefit? “We’ll be a heck of a lot wiser,” he says. Keep reading.
The recession and automotive industry instability have created new challenges in the aftermarket and they must be addressed with new strategies, says John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Keep reading.
Inventory management is an issue on which success or failure can hinge. R.L. Polk & Co. recognizes this, as this year’s Polk Inventory Efficiency Award was given to distributor Uni-Select USA and belt manufacturer Gates Corp. Keep reading.
(Left) Jim John with Northwood University accepted the Mort Schwartz Education Award from Kathleen Schmatz, president of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) at the 2009 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Rosemont, Ill.
The automotive industry, including the aftermarket, will play a key role in reducing greenhouse gases by 2050, whether its by becoming more specialized in smaller vehicles or through fuels other than oil. Keep reading.
Miles driven and vehicle population carry potentially the strongest impacts on the success of the aftermarket, but both are expected to remain stagnant throughout 2009. Keep reading.
