aftermarket parts
Those who sell truck parts must prepare for a changing world
The business of selling truck parts is, well, a big business by every measure. The aftermarket that cares for Canada’s Class 6-8 trucks, trailers and container chassis was worth an estimated $4.06 billion last year, according to analysts at MacKay and Company. And the mergers and acquisitions among component suppliers are underway at a breakneck pace.
Meritor’s Mach brand enters the aftermarket
ATLANTA, GA - Meritor has introduced a value-priced product line for the aftermarket that will be branded as Mach. Initial offerings will include brakes, drivelines, drive axles, suspensions, transmissions and springs, but there are plans to expand as well. "Mach is a global aftermarket value brand that we're launching today for North America, but we're going to introduce it here and all over the world," said Rob Speed, president - aftermarket and trailer and Chief Procurement Officer, during an unveiling at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show. "The time is right, we believe, to launch a value lineup brand for aftermarket parts. In North America and around the world we're seeing a rise in low-cost competitors and brands that don't necessarily have the same quality focus as Meritor." Buyers are rolling the dice when they buy products from companies they don't know, he said. In contrast, Meritor is a proven company. "We're not offering parts that won't fit or won't work well. Mach is different."
VIPAR conference to discuss the future in Florida
CRYSTAL LAKE, ILL - This October parts distributors, suppliers, and industry associates will converge on Orlando, Florida to discuss the future of the independent heavy-duty aftermarket. VIPAR Heavy Duty announced its 2017 business conference, running from Oct. 15-20 in the sunshine state, with the theme "foundation for the future."
Daimler “prints” first metal truck part
STUTTGART, GERMANY - Engineers working for Daimler's European truck brand, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, have successfully used a 3D printer to create a metal thermostat cover - proving a process that could reshape the way spare metal parts are produced and distributed. With the potential of decentralizing production, 3D printing could improve parts availability, shorten delivery times, and reduce warehousing and distribution costs, the company notes. Daimler's brands in North America include Freightliner and Western Star. "With the introduction of 3D metal printing technology, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is reasserting its pioneering role among global commercial vehicle manufacturers," said Andreas Deuschle, head of marketing and operations - customer services and parts with Mercedes-Benz Trucks. "We ensure the same functionality, reliability, durability and cost-effectiveness with 3D metal parts as we do with conventionally produced parts."
Elite rewards comes to Continental Canada
MISSISSAUGA, ON. - Continental Tires is giving its Canadian customers a chance to join the ranks of the elite. The company announced a new automotive aftermarket rewards program called the Elite Rewards Program Member (RPM) Club. The club is modeled after its U.S. version, but with the addition of improved features for professional repair technicians and distributor counter staff. The program offers rewards for redemption of proofs-of-purchase of Continental Elite products, but is also offering professionals additional avenues to engage with the company, says Dave Wenger, marketing manager for Continental's North American automotive aftermarket products.
Aftermarket parts indicator predicts sales boost
MANHASSET, NY - Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting's (CMVC) commercial vehicle Parts Aftermarket Leading Indicator (PLI) has improved for the fourth month in a row, suggesting that fleet business conditions are recovering and will result in more aftermarket parts sales. But there are limits in the medium term.
