BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – March 16

AAIA and BB&T Capital Markets have teamed up to provide a unique report available through AAIA. This report, AAIA/BB&T Weekly Automotive Aftermarket Intelligence Update, is published every Tuesday in AAIA SmartBrief. The report provides comprehensive and timely information and trends about the aftermarket and the relative performance of companies serving the industry, including manufacturers/suppliers; distributors; retailers; service and repair; and collision.

Click here to view this week’s issue.

Aftermarket Supply Chain Kick-Off Webinar Open to AAIA Members

AAIA members are invited to attend the kick-off Webinar for the Automotive Aftermarket Supply Chain Working Group, a collaborative initiative between AAIA and the Supply Chain Council, Thursday, April 1 at 11 a.m. EDT. Any member interested in participating or learning more about this opportunity should plan to attend. Click here to register.

The Webinar agenda will include: 

• An overview of the Automotive Aftermarket Supply Chain working group. 
• An overview of the need for, and anticipated benefits of, industry benchmarking. 
• Committee responsibilities and project scope. 
• Volunteer opportunities and benefits.

“AAIA believes that constant improvement of supply chain practices is essential for the long-term health of the automotive aftermarket in the challenging environment we face today,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “To effectively manage such demands and opportunities, AAIA and the Supply Chain Council have established a working group to develop supply-chain best practices, performance measures and implementation guidelines for automotive aftermarket supply chains. The Webinar is an example of the workgroup’s collaborative benefits.”

This initiative will help operations managers in the automotive aftermarket leverage the Supply Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR®) to drive long-term improvements in the end-to-end supply chains of their companies. It will enhance collaboration, channel visibility and supply chain efficiency, allowing the automotive aftermarket industry to continue to deliver on its service-level promises and respond to new market opportunities.

Key deliverables of the project will include: 

NCMA Members: Book Your Room at NCMA Before Time Runs Out

The 37th annual NCMA Knowledge Exchange Conference is scheduled for April 24-27 in San Antonio, Texas and we’re saving a room for you. The deadline for booking your room at the NCMA group rate of $198/night at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio is March 26. Contact Hyatt Reservations at 1-800-223-1234 or click here to reserve online. Be sure to mention NCMA when making your reservation.

The NCMA conference is always an important education and networking event for automotive content professionals. This year it’s especially true. Many automotive retail and wholesale chains have standards-based data initiatives underway. There’s more activity around ACES and PIES than ever before. But, you will only keep up with these fast-paced developments if you are there. And while the River Walk is an inviting place in April – you will want a room, eventually. So book it today and submit your conference registration. Complete conference information and registration is available from the NCMA Web site at www.ncmacat.org.

If you have any questions or need more information, e-mail NCMA at ncma@aftermarket.org or contact 301-654-6664.




03/11/2010



YOUR AAIA: 2009 Annual Report Timeline Now Available

Members look to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) for leadership, connection and empowerment. AAIA is pleased to introduce an annual report timeline, providing highlights of initiatives and accomplishments in 2009, and offering a glimpse of what’s in store for 2010. Click here to view it online.

March/April 2010 Aftermarket Insider: National Car Care Month

AAIA is pleased to present digital volume 63 of its award-winning magazine, Aftermarket Insider. This edition features a preview of National Car Care Month in April, a slam-dunk opportunity for the automotive aftermarket, as well as introductions of AAHIP and DRIVE and a Toolbox of tips for staying healthy at work. Click here to read the full edition online.




03/09/2010



BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – March 9

AAIA and BB&T Capital Markets have teamed up to provide a unique report available through AAIA. This report, AAIA/BB&T Weekly Automotive Aftermarket Intelligence Update, is published every Tuesday in AAIA SmartBrief. The report provides comprehensive and timely information and trends about the aftermarket and the relative performance of companies serving the industry, including manufacturers/suppliers; distributors; retailers; service and repair; and collision.

Click here to view this week’s issue.

Preliminary Green Survey Results Show Strong Aftermarket Environmental Efforts

More than 90 percent of respondents to date of the AAIA Green Sustainability Initiative Survey currently recycle batteries, scrap metal, used oil and parts-cleaning solvents, and more than 80 percent of respondents recycle tires and wood pallets. Nearly 70 percent of the companies that have replied refine or burn used oil for energy, and 80 percent have reduced/minimized their company's packaging content in the past 12 months. These and other positive results prove that the aftermarket is a green industry with deep-rooted environmental awareness. AAIA is still compiling survey results and wants to know about your company's efforts. Click here for the full questionnaire, or click here for additional options on ways to share your company's "green" story.




03/04/2010



National Car Care Month 2010: A Slam-Dunk Opportunity for the Automotive Aftermarket

“Be Car Care Aware” March madness is in full swing, gearing up for a record year for National Car Care Month (NCCM) with slam-dunk opportunities for participating companies. Click here for a preview of the upcoming Aftemarket Insider cover feature about National Car Care Month, and learn how you can get in the game during NCCM this April!

REGISTER TODAY! ACC 2010 Meeting Early-Bird Deadline Extended to March 12

The early bird deadline for the ACC 2010 meeting at the Palmer House in Chicago, Ill., April 7-8, has been extended to March 12! There is still a chance to save $100 on your registration fee, so register today. Click here to register.

The Automotive Communication Council will cover ALL THINGS DIGITAL including social media, digital marketing and print vs. digital media at this must-attend event. Click here to see the agenda.

Don't miss out on saving $100 on your registration for 2010's most valuable personal development event. Register by March 12 to receive the early bird discount. For more information and to register, click here.




03/02/2010



BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – March 2

AAIA and BB&T Capital Markets have teamed up to provide a unique report available through AAIA. This report, AAIA/BB&T Weekly Automotive Aftermarket Intelligence Update, is published every Tuesday in AAIA SmartBrief. The report provides comprehensive and timely information and trends about the aftermarket and the relative performance of companies serving the industry, including manufacturers/suppliers; distributors; retailers; service and repair; and collision.

Click here to view this week’s issue.




02/25/2010



AFL-CIO Attempts a Roadblock of Massachusetts Right to Repair Bill

Things are heating up in Massachusetts as the state legislature takes up the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S. 2268). The bill, which had overwhelmingly passed the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure by a 12-1 vote on Feb. 8, was slated for a full Senate vote yesterday, Feb. 24, but was postponed due to a release from the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) opposing the bill. The labor union, which has no auto or parts plants in the state, contended that the bill was unnecessary and that it would ship American jobs overseas. This position is consistent with the car company accusations as they continue their onslaught against the legislation.

This link includes one of the numerous TV and radio stories that have run in the state regarding the bill, which is now becoming a very public battle. If you have any locations in Massachusetts, we urge you to get them activated to make their voices heard with the legislators by visiting www.massrighttorepair.com. With labor unions raising the stakes, the aftermarket must rally to help move the bill toward historic passage.

Siriani Launches New Interactive Web Site

The Siriani Web site, www.siriani.com, now has a new look and new functionality. Siriani and Associates manages the Siriani Freight Savings Plan for AAIA members. In a continuing effort to support AAIA and its members, Siriani has overhauled their old site and added new features and tools. AAIA members can now sign up for the Freight Savings Plan online.

Members who are already enrolled in the Freight Savings Plan will be able to track packages, request rate quotes and follow all the latest shipping news.

Additionally, AAIA members can take advantage of tools such as a density calculator, NMFC classification requests and USPS zip code locator. Informative videos, tutorials and tips on best practices will be coming soon. Your new one-stop site for shipping information is www.siriani.com.

Remember FedEx discounts are a free member benefit and now signing up for those discounts is easier than ever. Don’t delay, sign up today at www.siriani.com.




02/23/2010



BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Feb. 23

AAIA and BB&T Capital Markets have teamed up to provide a unique report available through AAIA. This report, AAIA/BB&T Weekly Automotive Aftermarket Intelligence Update, is published every Tuesday in AAIA SmartBrief. The report provides comprehensive and timely information and trends about the aftermarket and the relative performance of companies serving the industry, including manufacturers/suppliers; distributors; retailers; service and repair; and collision.

Click here to view this week’s issue.

February Industry Indicators Report

The Industry Indicators Report is a statistical compilation of key variables that are released by a variety of business and economic sources every month. AAIA’s market research department records this data, compares the new data to the same month of previous year, as well as to a given set of statistical parameters, and then identifies the impact to the business as favorable, unfavorable or indeterminate. This monthly report is designed to provide insight into some of the key indicators affecting the aftermarket industry and your business. The Industry Indicators Report is distributed monthly via e-mail to AAIA members.

Click here to view this month’s report, or visit http://aftermarket.org/Publications/TrackingTheTrends.aspx.

February Industry Tips from the Car Care Council

With National Car Care Month (NCCM) in April right around the corner, the Car Care Council offers the following tips to help you plan your vehicle check-up event.  

                 * Convenience
                 * Traffic
                 * Space
                 * Power
                 * Insurance Permits

• Determine sponsorship opportunities. Once a date, time and location for your event has been set, identify and secure potential event sponsors. Sponsors can help defray the costs of your event either through monetary donations or in-kind contributions. For extra help, consider vendors, other shops or local automotive vocational departments and be willing to treat these organizations as sponsors.
• Secure technicians and volunteers. A check-up event requires technicians to do the inspections and many additional volunteers to welcome motorists and answer their questions. A rule of thumb is to have five technicians per check lane. Volunteers are needed the day of the event to coordinate any additional activities, such as displays and demonstrations.
  
• Register your event online and request inspection forms. When you register your event online at www.carcare.org, you may request free copies of the Car Care Council’s inspection form to use during your event. If you need additional forms, please e-mail us and we’ll gladly send them to you.

For more information on the Car Care Council, visit www.carcare.org.




02/18/2010



February Aftermarket Perspectives from The NPD Group

How did extreme winter weather affect the aftermarket? When winter weather turns extreme, auto parts stores can be a vital outlet for meeting a variety of consumer needs. Read the February issue of Aftermarket Perspectives to learn more about which categories sold well during December's snowstorms and how you can anticipate which products will sell by market. 

A monthly feature in the AAIA SmartBrief, each Aftermarket Perspectives delivers insight into industry trends and examines business issues imperative to aftermarket manufacturers and retailers.

IMR Inc.’s Industry Insight – February

Industry Insight, IMR Inc.’s NEW monthly feature in AAIA SmartBrief, provides a snapshot of valuable automotive aftermarket research information that is current to the industry. Topics focus on a variety of interesting trends and data that has been compiled through IMR’s syndicated market research.

Click here to view the February issue.




02/16/2010


BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Feb. 16

AAIA and BB&T Capital Markets have teamed up to provide a unique report available through AAIA. This report, AAIA/BB&T Weekly Automotive Aftermarket Intelligence Update, is published every Tuesday in AAIA SmartBrief. The report provides comprehensive and timely information and trends about the aftermarket and the relative performance of companies serving the industry, including manufacturers/suppliers; distributors; retailers; service and repair; and collision.

Click here to view this week’s issue.

Learn About ALL THINGS DIGITAL at the ACC Conference
 
Register today for the ACC 2010 Spring Conference being held April 7-8, at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, Ill. 
 
This top-notch conference will cover ALL the hot-button topics surrounding digital media and communication. Presentations include database marketing, social networking, consumer research and trends, and sales driving promotion. Also featured will be a panel discussing print publications vs. digital, insight from shop owners and a speaker from a top digital advertising agency. For a current agenda, click here.
 
Click here to register. For more information, visit www.acc-online.org.

Shipping Tips Help Save Time and Money

Shipping can be challenging but there are ways to make it cost-effective, efficient and convenient. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your costs and improve your shipping experience.

• Join the AAIA Freight Savings Plan and save. This valuable member benefit offers substantial shipping discounts together with personalized customer service. As an AAIA member, you can save up to 33 percent* on select FedEx Express® services and up to 24 percent on select FedEx Ground® services. Enrollment is free and there are no minimum shipping quotas.
• Control your inbound shipping charges. FedEx Ground® COLLECT allows you, as the recipient, to be invoiced directly for inbound shipments, so you can take advantage of your Freight Savings Plan discounts and avoid charges added by your suppliers. 
• Use online tools. Use FedEx Ship Manager® at www.fedex.com to create your shipping labels. Simply click the “Prepare Shipment Online” option under the “Ship” tab on the www.fedex.com U.S. home page, register as a user and follow the simple instructions. No extra software is required. Then drop off your packages at a nearby FedEx Office, FedEx Express® Drop Box or OfficeMax location.
• American Express. You can save an additional 5 percent when you use an American Express® OPEN Business Card to pay for your FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping. To apply for this small-business promotion, visit www.fedex.com/us/promotions. The savings are in addition to your AAIA Freight Savings Plan discounts.

For free enrollment in the freight program or if you need further assistance with any of these shipping tips, call Siriani & Associates at 1-800-554-0005 or e-mail info@siriani.com.

For eligible FedEx® services and rates, contact your freight savings program provider, Siriani & Associates. All FedEx shipments are subject to the applicable FedEx Service Guide. FedEx service marks used by permission.
* Includes a 5 percent Automation Discount.

Payment must be made with an American Express® OPEN Business Card at the time of purchase. Savings are credited to your American Express Business Card billing statement. All savings referenced are in addition to any offers made by participating companies. Participation and offers are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit opensavings.com.



02/09/2010


BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Feb. 9

AAIA and BB&T Capital Markets have teamed up to provide a unique report available through AAIA. This report, AAIA/BB&T Weekly Automotive Aftermarket Intelligence Update, is published every Tuesday in AAIA SmartBrief. The report provides comprehensive and timely information and trends about the aftermarket and the relative performance of companies serving the industry, including manufacturers/suppliers; distributors; retailers; service and repair; and collision.

Click here to view this week’s issue.




02/04/2010



Telematics Trendline – February 2010

Telematics Trendline, a series of articles by Derek Kaufman, C3 Network, Inc., is designed to inform AAIA members about the trends in telematics applications for both the retail automotive and commercial trucking industries. Each monthly article highlights products and services that are defining the growth of telematics, focusing on both the technology and the business plans of companies that are working to create this new market and interview the people who are making it happen. Author Derek Kaufman, president and founder, C3 Network, Inc., a consulting company that works with clients to increase their top line sales and launch new products, was integral in the creation of the 2008 AAIA Telematics Primer – The Aftermarket’s Role in the Telematics Future.

February’s article features:

• Digital Power Station 
• Local Motors 
• iPad Automotive 
• Smart Grid Connections

Click here for the February 2010 issue of Telematics Trendline, or visit http://www.aftermarket.org/Publications/Telematics-Trendline.aspx.

Register Today for Free ACC Webinar: "Hybrid Technology's Aftermarket Impact"
 
How will hybrid and electric car technology affect the independent automotive shops, in turn affecting the aftermarket? What economic or other factors will influence the growth of hybrid vehicle sales? The technology is changing quickly – are independent shops changing? All these questions and more will be discussed during the ACC Webinar, "Hybrid Technology's Aftermarket Impact." Tony Molla, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will facilitate the conversation. The free Webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. EST, and is open to ACC members and non-members. Click here to register, or call 240-333-1089.



02/02/2010



BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Feb. 2

AAIA and BB&T Capital Markets have teamed up to provide a unique report available through AAIA. This report, AAIA/BB&T Weekly Automotive Aftermarket Intelligence Update, is published every Tuesday in AAIA SmartBrief. The report provides comprehensive and timely information and trends about the aftermarket and the relative performance of companies serving the industry, including manufacturers/suppliers; distributors; retailers; service and repair; and collision.

Click here to view this week’s issue.

Participate Today – Help Us Tell the Green Aftermarket Story