LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Aurora Parts and Accessories has nearly doubled its dealer network in Canada, while a new trailer fleet and improved online system aim to further the companys expansion.

Aurora, a wholesale supplier of trailer aftermarket parts, announced its expansion results and future plans during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. on March 21.

With the expansion, Aurora has added 14 additional Canadian dealers, for a total of 27 dealers, who provide complete coverage of Canada, including Quebec.

To serve the Canadian market, Aurora has named Chris Giefert as regional sales manager. Giefert has been instrumental in the recent expansion of the Aurora dealer network in Canada and comes to the company with more than 20 years of trailer industry experience and trailer application background.

Chris is highly qualified to serve Aurora in the Canadian marketplace with his extensive industry and technical experience, said Tony Difilippantonio, vice-president of sales and marketing. He will ensure that Aurora delivers the highest quality goods and service to our Canadian customers.

In an effort to expedite service to customers, Aurora will launch its new trailer fleet for North American shipments.

Our total ship-to points are 675 and of course were always looking to expand, noted Difilippantonio. We currently run 15 shipping lanes in the US and Canada.

The new trailers will be used on Auroras shipping lanes, displaying colorful graphics.

Theyre billboards on wheels, added Difilippantonio. Were proud that we have recently acquired this new fleet of trailers from our OE partners, Wabash National and Hyundai Translead, to carry our trailer parts throughout North America. In addition to these trailers being a marketing tool, they allow us to meet our increase in business with on-time delivery.

The company is expecting to increase its business even further with the availability of a new order management system in the third quarter of 2007.

FleetPer4m will be available to Aurora partners, both fleet and authorized dealers. Once online with FleetPer4m, users can choose from the easy-to-use menus to search for parts using a variety of methods: by category; sub-category; vendor; VIN number; or part number.

Once the required parts are located, the system verifies pricing upfront. FleetPer4m ensures standardized pricing throughout the nationwide Aurora dealer network.

From order placement to invoicing, FleetPer4m aims to provide account management and parts information quickly and accurately. Users have online access to billing statements, account summaries and invoice reprints. Aurora consolidates billing statements so a single statement is sent for all purchases, eliminating the time required to view and print multiple statements.

FleetPer4m is packed with detailed product information, including a comprehensive electronic parts catalog and PDC stocked part number inventory identification. Users may view product pictures, study component illustrations and access a cross-reference guide to determine what part to choose if the part of choice has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

About 70% of our volume goes through our online shipping and with this you can also check up-to-the-minute status online, noted Difilippantonio.