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 | Source: Aftermarket Business New repair centers help bridge the customer service gapFebruary 1, 2009Dealerships are closing the customer satisfaction gap with non-dealer repair centers on post-warranty maintenance work. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Service Usage and Retention Study (SURS), customer satisfaction with dealer service has increased slightly among vehicle owners since 2007.
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 | Source: Aftermarket BusinessBuilding a name in the specialty parts businessNovember 1, 2008With a name like Speedway Auto Parts, it's kind of a given that President Bob Joshlin would make performance parts one of the company's "niches." Being located in Indianapolis doesn't hurt either.
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 | Source: Aftermarket BusinessBuying American makes and models losing its lusterNovember 1, 2008A majority of potential vehicle choices are rejected only after the new-car shopper has actually paid a visit to a dealership and found fault with some aspect of the dealer's operation, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Escaped Shopper Study, which also affirms what OEM sales figures are already indicating – Asian-made marques are widely viewed as a better buy, especially with rising gasoline prices.
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 | Source: Aftermarket BusinessThe virtual keys to successIncreasing online training opportunities make it easier for techs to train and learn in the bayNovember 1, 2008 At the end of the day, one of the last things most technicians want to do is head downtown or across the state for a few hours of training. But it's no secret that training is a key part of a technicians' success in his or her shop.
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 | Source: Aftermarket BusinessFinding value at the SEMA showA few new twists at this specialty event will help attendees learn more than everNovember 1, 2008 It's no revelation that the specialty aftermarket has been hit hard by the down economy, as thrifty car owners are spending more to fill their tanks and less on non-essential automotive accessories. Yet in this rapidly changing market, it's more important than ever to stay on top of the new trends and products that will affect the way business is done going into 2009 and beyond, say officials from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
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 | Source: Aftermarket BusinessRiding the sales roller coasterEconomic fluctuations have resellers battling uphill and fighting plunging sales figuresNovember 1, 2008 Economic challenges have led many consumers to keep an iron grip on their automotive parts spending, but not all aftermarket product categories have taken a major hit.
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