The aftermarket auto parts e-commerce will exceed $67 billion at retail price by 2005, according to James A. Lang, president of Lang Marketing Resources. This proves that the automotive aftermarket industry has an influential presence in the e-commerce revolution and is steadily expanding.
For your convenience, AutoInc. has developed an “at-a-glance” guide highlighting several companies with a presence on the Internet. Survey responses and Internet research aided in the development of the guide. AutoInc. does not endorse the companies featured, but has included them as a benefit to our readers. We have included both established and new Web sites to provide the most diverse content. However, space restrictions limit us from including all automotive-related sites.
In detailing specific services offered by these companies, we have focused on five general categories: parts ordering, e-mail services, Web development, marketing and management. It is important to note that companies were assigned specific categories based on returned questionnaires and research, but additional services may be offered as well.
Many of the sites mentioned cater to their subscribers or members. We have indicated whether or not the company charges a fee for its services. Most sites require users to submit specific information to log in to the site at a later time, but at no charge. We have not published the price for services of any company that requires a fee for membership. To inquire about prices or further details, visit each company's Web site at the address provided.
Looking ahead to the future, many Internet companies are changing just as rapidly as they developed. It is an ongoing change that even industry experts are finding hard to predict.
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The Automotive Service Association's Web site (www.asashop.org) remains an informational industry leader. The site encompasses everything from legislative news to automotive tips. The site was built for both the consumer and the automotive professional. It provides a one-stop informational source, including automotive-related links and employment classifieds. The site also features a list of the association's membership benefits, such as affordable shop Web pages and inclusion on the Find Nearest ASA Shop database.
AutoInc. magazine is also published online, with an interactive search engine that allows users to search for specific technical, management or legislative articles. For more information on the ASA Web site, read this month's “Members' Advantage” column on page 16.
More and more consumers and technicians are apt to search for information online rather than make a telephone call. Almost every company uses the Internet to promote or provide information about its product. For example, ABRA Auto Body and Glass uses its Web site (www.abraauto.com) to display maps and addresses of its locations for consumers and insurance partners. The company also posts current news, class schedules and an e-mail link to contact it immediately.
Mitchell International's Web site (www.mitchell.com) provides users with an online store, complete with the company's line of estimating products and educational reference books. Each product in the online store includes pricing and a description. The site also hosts Mitchell's discussion board where visitors can view or post comments about Mitchell products and services.
Another advantage of the Internet is the ability to conduct business more efficiently and timely. The term “real time” has become synonymous with Internet business relations. i2 Technologies (www.i2.com) developed TradeMatrix, an Internet marketplace that provides an open digital community, enabling a company's customers, partners, suppliers and service providers to conduct business together in “real time.” The company's products help manage business processes including procurement, fulfillment, product development and customer care, ultimately helping shop owners become more responsive to market demand.
No one can really predict the future of the Internet. “Dot.com” companies may become more specialized in certain areas. For example, Fleetscape.com (www.fleetscape.com) already specializes in the commercial heavy-duty truck aftermarket. The company enables service providers to instantly access multiple suppliers, reducing the cost and complexity of buying truck parts.
The Internet remains a growing and influential entity. As technology changes, so will the Internet. It has already become a powerful business tool, providing needed information and timely correspondence.
If your shop is an ADP client, you can benefit from this site's training, service and technical support. The password protected "Clients Only" section provides exclusive access to account status information. The site also offers collision repair industry information as well as specific information on products and services offered by ADP.
Alldata now publishes its line of computer-based diagnostic, repair and estimating information, technical service bulletins, recalls and maintenance schedules for automotive service providers online for subscribers. Technicians are able to log on to the Internet and search for the information they need. At this time, product updates are provided quarterly.
The site provides communication about the oil and natural gas industry, API programs, services and publications. API's “Engine Oil and Licensing and Certification System” helps repair facilities select quality engine oils for the vehicles they service. More than 400 industry standards, recommended practices and procedures provided by the site are useful to shop owners who operate a wholesale or retail fuel facility.
Using AMI's Web site, shop owners and managers can access a variety of educational information and materials. The site includes the institute's calendar of scheduled management education courses, AMI's mission, goals, scholarship opportunities, self-study programs and recent information on the institute's activities.
Auto-Vista includes many educational documents on subjects such as XML, knowledge management and e-commerce. A dynamic search engine allows easy access to the automotive industry. A browser enables users to personalize and choose areas of interest to be displayed on their desktop.
This site offers advice for troubleshooting above-ground and in-ground hydraulic lifts, including diagrams and links to other automotive sites. Replacement parts are available for most manufacturers.
Following is a list of legislative and regulatory Web sites that provide similar information:
For information on paint companies and their products, take a closer look at their Web sites:
BASF's jobber subsidiary, Automotive Refinish Technologies (A.R.T.), operates an e-commerce Web site, bodyshopmall.com (www.bodyshopmall.com). The first e-commerce site of its kind to be introduced by a major North American paint company, the site enables A.R.T. body shop customers to order BASF products via the Internet. Several other paint companies are currently exploring the opportunity for their distributors to order their products over the Internet.
AutoInc. Magazine ® Vol.XLVIII, July 2000 E-mail: asainfo@asashop.org, Web Site: http://www.asashop.org Copyright © 2000 Automotive Service Association (ASA). All rights reserved.