Aftermarket Business's 13th annual Consumer Attitude Study reflects the importance of the technician's recommendation during the consumer purchases.

Scott Luckett with AAIA talks technology in the aftermarket, AAIA efforts and data standards initiatives.

Rocky Runeberg is the parts manager for McKie Buick-Pontiac-GMC in Rapid City, SD, as well as McKie Hyundai and Nissan. The McKie parts operation includes with employees at two different locations.

Technologue President Nick Porrini has deep roots in the aftermarket, having started his career behind the parts counter at a NAPA store. He founded Technologue after spending 10 years at legendary repair manual publisher The Chilton Company and is active with a number of industry associations. He also serves on the technology committees for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIS) and the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA).

Keith Ely is the managing partner of Keith Ely & Associates, a consultancy specializing in heavy truck dealerships.

Winsby Group president Doug Winsby has more than 15 years experience in the automotive aftermarket. An active member of the AAIA Technology Standards and Solutions committee, he played a key role in the development of the ACES delivery specification, and has worked with the University of the Aftermarket to develop ACES workshops and training materials.

Do your customers care where parts originate from, or are they simply focused on the bottom line?

At the Management Briefing Seminars presented by the Center for Automotive Research you were quoted as saying that "North America just isn't ready. We don't have a supply base" for batteries, drive motors or electronic controls. How serious is this situation and how does it impact the U.S. auto market?

Because of high gas prices, is preventive maintenance a priority or is it something you've been putting off?