AAIA 2012 Standing Committee Openings

Lang Aftermarket Insight: Two-Step Distribution Records Big Gains

BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Oct. 18

Aftermarket Insider Volume 72: AAPEX 2011

AAIA Events at AAPEX 2011

REMINDER: Reserve Meeting Space in AAIA Member Center at AAPEX

Lang Aftermarket Insight: 2011 Aftermarket Sales Nearing 5 Percent Per-Mile Growth

BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Oct. 11

LDN Invites All AAPEX Attendees to 2011 Networking Reception

Lang Aftermarket Insight: 28 Million New Vehicles Not Sold, 2008-2014

Telematics Trendline – October 2011

AAIA Freight Provider to Exhibit at 2011 AAPEX

BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Oct. 4

August Economic Confidence Improves Among Aftermarket Business Leaders

Special AAPEX Seminar Presented by ASAAA, AAIA and MEMA

Lang Aftermarket Insight: Dealer Parts Sales Suffer Strong One-Two Punch

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12/08/2011

October Economic Confidence Improves Among Aftermarket Business Leaders

Results of the joint Business Confidence Index for October 2011, show that aftermarket business leaders were more than four times as confident in the future of the automotive aftermarket over the next 12 months, than they were regarding the economy in general, reports AAIA and Northwood University.

AAIA members completed the tenth monthly index survey, and data shows that:

• The overall AAIA/Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Business Confidence Index for October was 17.69, up from 6.76 in September (Chart #1), keeping aftermarket leaders to the low side of the “slightly more confident” range.
• Aftermarket business leaders were on the high side of “slightly less confident” in the economy as a whole in October as the AAIA/Northwood University Economic Confidence Index increased from -27.70 to -4.62 from September to October (Chart#2), which is the seventh consecutive negative value the index has reported (however it did show improvement again for the month).

“The results indicate that industry leaders had slightly more confidence in the industry in October in comparison to September of this year,” said Dr. Timothy Nash, Northwood University, “and that business leaders were more confident regarding the overall economy in October relative to September.

“It is clear aftermarket leaders had more confidence in the industry in October in comparison to September of this year. It is also obvious that business leaders were more confident regarding the overall economy in October relative to September. We believe the decrease in October gasoline prices in the United States was the primary reason for increased confidence among aftermarket leaders. The negative trend with regard to our national debt and that of Europe was offset by the better U.S. fundamentals in October, clearly giving aftermarket leaders pause for both hope and concern. The most recent miles driven data shows a decrease in miles driven from August to September of 2011; however, it also shows a decline in miles driven in September 2011 relative to September 2010. A positive resolution to the ‘debt crisis’ discussions in Washington D.C. and around the globe and a declining world oil price would do much to extend aftermarket business confidence in the coming months (see Chart #2).

“The impressive trends derived from the AAIA/Northwood University Business Confidence Index continues to validate the recent positive signs in U.S. data and continues to forecast the general economy effectively,” said Keith Pretty, Northwood University president. “We are very proud to be working with AAIA to provide this very important insight.”

The eleventh installment of the survey has been sent to members. Results will be calculated monthly and reported in AAIA SmartBrief. Member responses will be used solely in the aggregate and for the purpose of providing empirical information.

For more information, contact AAIA market intelligence at 301-654-6664 or Dr. Timothy G. Nash, Northwood University at 989-837-4326. These indices are prepared monthly by Dr. Nash and Northwood University economics major, Adam N. Matzke.

Join your colleagues in Washington, D.C., on March 14-15, 2012, for the 2012 Aftermarket Legislative Summit. Meet face-to-face with key leaders on Capitol Hill to discuss issues important to your business and the aftermarket industry as a whole. A briefing session and congressional reception will take place on Wednesday, March 14, followed by meetings with the congressional offices on Thursday, March 15. Registration is free and AAIA staff will schedule congressional appointments for you. You only need to take care of your own travel and hotel arrangements.

While our room block expires on Feb. 3, we only have a limited number of rooms set aside for this event so please make your room reservations as soon as possible. In addition, please forward your registration to us by Feb. 3 to ensure that there is sufficient time to obtain appointments with all of your elected officials.
 
For more information, contact david.pinkham@aftermarket.org or visit www.aftermarket.org.

11/01/2011

BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Nov. 1

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 week 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.

AAIA Co-Hosts Popular Chairmen’s Reception at AAPEX
 
Aftermarket industry executives kicked off Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week with last night’s Chairmen’s Reception at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. Hosted by AAIA chairman Robert Egan, and AASA Board of Governors chairman David Coolidge, this popular pre-AAPEX kickoff was a standing-room-only networking event for association members and guests.

Events This Week at AAPEX 2011

Dynamics and highlights of this year’s AAPEX show include: a new partnership with the Toy Industry Association (TIA), who are displaying an exhibit “Where the Love Affair Begins” in the upper lobby of the Sands Expo Center; AIA Lounge (booth #9027); AWDA Lounge (booth #3667); Car Care Council’s Car Care Fair (booth #3267); Shop of Tomorrow (booth #3066); and ERC Engine Rebuilder Demo (booth #4081).

Thirty education sessions will be held during AAPEX on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Venetian Hotel, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706. These Learning Forum sessions are free and open to everyone, except for the sold-out Lunch & Learns.

Popular networking receptions this week include the Auto International Association (AIA) Fabulous Networking Reception tonight at 5 p.m. in the Venetian Hotel, Titian Room 2201 (invitation-only event); Leadership Development Network (LDN) Reception tonight at 5 p.m. in the Venetian Hotel, Veronese Ballroom 2401; and the Car Care Council Women’s Board Reception tonight at 5 p.m. in the Sands Expo Center, Rooms 202-203.

AAIA’s Town Hall breakfast program will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7 a.m. in the Venetian Hotel, Palazzo Ballroom. Tickets are required. Also on Wednesday, AIA will hold its annual Luncheon and Awards Program at 12 p.m. in the Venetian Hotel, Titian Room 2201. This is an invitation-only event.

New this year, the Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) is presenting the first-ever Aftermarket Women’s Business Summit. The summit, designed for women repair shop owners and managers, will include educational and networking sessions focused on empowering the industry’s women to achieve business and professional success.

In addition to these events, members are invited to visit the AAIA Member Center, rooms 204-206 of the Sands Expo Center. The member center is a place for members to visit, meet with colleagues or just relax. AAIA members are encouraged to stop in and enjoy a cup of coffee; hold a meeting in one of the private conference rooms; check e-mail at the computer station; or print a boarding pass. Copiers and fax machines are available as well. Member Center hours: Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Nov. 3 – 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a full schedule of this week’s AAIA Events at AAPEX, click here or visit www.aapexshow.com.

October AAIA Industry Indicators Report Now Available Online

The Industry Indicators Report is a statistical compilation of key economic variables that are released each month by a variety of business and government sources. In addition to the traditional reporting of the raw data and the three-point assessment rating for each variable, Dr. Timothy Nash, Northwood University, provides interpretive commentary explaining how changes in these variables will influence your business.

The monthly Industry Indicators Report is an AAIA member-only benefit. Reports and commentary are posted in the Knowledge Center on the AAIA Web site at www.aftermarket.org/knowledgecenter, and are accessible through AAIA username and password.

For questions regarding this report, e-mail Ron Rossi at ron.rossi@aftermarket.org or click here for more information on AAIA membership. If you need assistance with your username and password, contact the AAIA membership department at 301-654-6664.




10/27/2011



October Aftermarket Perspectives from The NPD Group 

What will consumers look for in 2012? At this year's AAPEX, David Portalatin will present findings from the 2012 Aftermarket Outlook Study. The study examines consumers' attitudes and behaviors regarding their vehicles in the coming year. Get a glimpse of one of the key topics Portalatin will cover: aftermarket consumers' changing attitudes about quality. Learn more in the October issue of Aftermarket Perspectives.

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

Lang Aftermarket Insight: Bigger Vehicle Repair Sweet-Spot on the Way

"Traditionally, the vehicle-repair sweet-spot (the age group of cars and light trucks in which repair occurs at a significantly above-average per-vehicle pace) currently encompass light vehicles in the U.S. between six and nine years old.

"As a result of the historic decline in new light vehicle sales in the U.S. (beginning in 2008), along with rapid growth of car and light truck average age, the vehicle-repair sweet-spot is expanding, encompassing a greater number of vehicle years. This will have a profound aftermarket impact." Read this week’s Lang Aftermarket Insight for a complete analysis.

Published weekly by Lang Marketing, Aftermarket Insight™ provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of trends, developments and competitive issues involving the car and light truck U.S. aftermarket at all levels: manufacturer, distributor, retailer, installer and consumer. Aftermarket Insight™ will be distributed each Thursday in AAIA SmartBrief.




10/25/2011

BB&T Weekly Aftermarket Intelligence Update – Oct. 25

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 week 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.

AAIA 2012 Standing Committee Openings

Nominations are being accepted for AAIA standing committees commencing January 2012. 

Standing committees primarily meet two times a year in conjunction with AAIA Leadership Days in the spring and fall, throughout the U.S., to provide direction and develop plans for the association. Some committees may meet an additional time and/or schedule various conference calls/Webinars. 

There are a limited number of openings for each committee. Criteria, goals and missions for each committee are listed below. If your job responsibility coincides with any of the committees mentioned and you are interested in becoming more involved in AAIA, please complete a nomination form located at http://aftermarket.org/Committees/2012-AAIA-Committee-Application-Form.aspx, and include your relevant experience and qualifications. E-mail the form, along with an updated bio, to aaiacommittees@aftermarket.org. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, Nov. 18, 2011.

Candidates will be reviewed and evaluated against the number of available seats, the demographics of business function, expertise and job positions that are to be filled. Recommendations are formed by the committee chair, vice chair and staff liaison and presented to AAIA's Chairman of the Board for his approval. All candidates will be notified in November shortly after AAPEX. 

Audit Committee – The committee's primary function is to assist the AAIA board in fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to (1) the audit of the organization's books and records and (2) the system of internal controls that the organization has established.

Category Management Committee – The committee works to bring aftermarket manufacturers, retailers and distributors together with the mutual trust necessary to share information, and to improve business operations and customer service.

Education Committee – The committee strives to enhance the business potential and competitive advantage of aftermarket professionals through its support of automotive aftermarket educational events and programs. 

Government Affairs Committee – The committee works with association staff to develop and implement AAIA's legislative and regulatory policies that are aimed at both protecting and enhancing the business of the vehicle aftermarket in the United States and abroad.

Investment Committee – In addition to meeting during Leadership Days, the committee meets monthly via conference calls in order to review the association's portfolio performance. The committee reviews and approves investment decisions to ensure they comply with the guidelines of AAIA's Investment Policy Statement including, but not limited to, style and asset allocation.

Leadership Development Network (LDN) Committee – The committee participates in an AAIA and Industry Orientation program. LDN is the “first stop” in a committee member’s involvement with AAIA. LDN is geared toward anyone new to the industry, anyone who wants to network with top level industry executives and anyone who wants to become more involved with AAIA and its committees. This committee sponsors a Fun Walk & Run during Spring Leadership Days to raise money for the GAAS Scholarship Program and hosts an annual networking reception at AAPEX.

Market Intelligence Committee – The committee, together with the association's professional research staff, works to identify major shifts in aftermarket industry trends and assesses the impact on current and future industry business practices. 
 
Marketing and Member Relations Committee – To provide overall counsel, vision and direction to the association through its marketing and member relations professional staff in the planning and implementation of programs and activities that market and promote products, programs and services, and in communicating news and information both internally to members and externally on behalf of members and the aftermarket industry; and to provide strategic direction for member retention and recruitment.

Show Committee – Committee responsibilities include reviewing the content and presentation of AAIA events at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) and Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW). The committee advises show management on long-range strategies and helps direct the promotional campaign for future AAPEX and HDAW events. 

Technology Standards & Solutions Committee – The committee consists of member volunteers from a variety of aftermarket industry segments who meet to develop computer standards and best business practices in the area of supply chain technology and data exchange.

AAIA Green Portfolio Details Aftermarket’s Environmental Responsibility

The automotive aftermarket’s commitment to widespread environmental practices is featured in a portfolio developed by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). The portfolio, online and in printed format, is designed to build awareness of the industry’s extensive contributions to a cleaner environment and is part of AAIA’s initiative, “Driving Toward a Cleaner Environment: The Automotive Aftermarket’s Green Story.”

The automotive aftermarket’s common environmental practices in the areas of recycling, disposal, packaging, transportation and facilities management are consolidated in the portfolio. It currently highlights the industry’s efforts in recycling used engine oil and oil filters, batteries, tires, parts cleaning solvents, scrap metal, cardboard and paper, wood pallets, dunnage, plastics and remanufacturing parts.

“The core purpose of aftermarket businesses is to provide the products, services and parts to keep America’s vehicles operating properly, efficiently, safely and cleanly, which contributes to better gas mileage, less energy consumption and cleaner air,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, AAIA. “By the very nature of its business, the automotive aftermarket industry has for decades practiced sustainability and has been ‘green’ long before being green was mainstream.” 

For more information about the automotive aftermarket’s green story, contact AAIA at 301-654-6664 or visit www.aftermarket.org/green.

July Results: AAIA/Northwood University Joint Business Confidence Index

Based on the July results of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)/Northwood University Joint Business Confidence Index, aftermarket business leaders are more than 11 times as confident in the future of the automotive aftermarket over the next 12 months, than they were regarding the economy in general.

“It is clear aftermarket leaders had slightly less confidence in the industry in July in comparison to June of this year,” said Dr. Timothy Nash, Northwood University. “It is also obvious that business leaders were less confident regarding the overall economy in July relative to June.”

Looking at each index separately (see charts 1 and 2):

• The AAIA/Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Business Confidence Index declined 5.05 points, from 1.14 in June, to -3.91 in July.
• The AAIA/Northwood University Economic Confidence Index declined 33.17 points from -11.36 to -44.53 from June to July, which is the fourth consecutive negative value the index has reported.

According to Nash, “July stock market prices and the U.S. government debt crisis were the primary drivers of the increased pessimism. The positive trend with regard to lower oil and gasoline prices in July are not holding as we write this analysis toward the end of August. The most recent miles driven data shows a slight increase in miles driven from May to June of 2011; however, it also shows a decline in miles driven in June 2011 relative to June 2010. A positive resolution to the ‘debt crisis’ discussions in Washington, D.C. and a stabilized world oil price will do much to extend aftermarket business confidence in the coming months.”

The eighth installment of the survey has been sent to members, and results will be reported monthly in AAIA SmartBrief. Member responses will be used solely in the aggregate and for the purpose of providing empirical information.

For more information, contact AAIA market intelligence at 301-654-6664 or Dr. Timothy G. Nash, Northwood University at 989-837-4326.

Enter AIA Import Product and Marketing Awards by Tomorrow for Pre-Show Publicity

Gain great exposure and recognition for your product and marketing programs for import nameplate cars or trucks by participating in the 2011 AIA Import Product and Marketing Awards Program. Enter before Wednesday, Sept. 14 for pre-AAPEX publicity for your company in the October Issues of ImportCar and Counterman magazines. Click here for the entry form or for more information, visit the AIA website at www.aiaglobal.org.

2011 Automotive Communications Awards – Entries Due Wednesday

Enter today for the 2011 Automotive Communications Awards (ACA) sponsored by the Car Care Council Women’s Board and the Automotive Communication Council (ACC). The Automotive Communications Awards applaud those companies and agencies that provide automotive information to consumers and the trade professionals who interact with them on a daily basis. This year’s awards feature new categories in Social Media.

The awards will be presented during the Women’s Board reception on Tuesday, Nov. 1, during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas, Nev. Entries are due by Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011.

Scott LeProhon Appointed to AAIA Board of Directors

Scott LeProhon, senior vice president, merchandising and product strategy, Genuine Parts Company, has been appointed to the AAIA Board of Directors for the term July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014. For a listing of the full AAIA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, click here.

August AAIA Industry Indicators Report Now Available Online

The Industry Indicators Report is a statistical compilation of key economic variables that are released each month by a variety of business and government sources. The monthly Industry Indicators Report is an AAIA member-only benefit. Reports and commentary are posted in the Knowledge Center on the AAIA website, and are accessible through your AAIA username and password.

Telematics Trendline -- September 2011

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. Click here for the September edition. 

AAIA Members: Take Advantage of FedEx Web Services

Your website customers want to ship with FedEx. But chances are you don’t have an IT expert around to build FedEx® electronic shipping solutions into your site. That’s why FedEx has developed the free FedEx® Web Integration Wizard. It’s ideal for online retailers who need a quick and easy web-based solution.

The FedEx Web Integration Wizard generates ready-to-use, customizable HTML code so it’s as easy as cutting and pasting. Your customers can ship, get rates, track shipment status, validate addresses and process returns. All without ever leaving your website. To get started, go to fedex.com/webservices.

Take advantage of AAIA Freight Savings Plan discounts to save up to 33%* on select FedEx Express® services and up to 24% on select FedEx Ground® services. Pass these savings on to your customers or put the savings back into your business.

For more information about the AAIA Freight Savings Plan, call Siriani at 1.800.554.0005. For free enrollment go to www.siriani.com/aaiafsp.