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Your eKey to Dot.Com CompaniesPosted 7/12/2000By Colby Horton
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.
Automotive Internet companies are providing valuable services to industry professionals. As part of our guide, here is an explanation of the five categories of services included in the chart. Business-related sites are on the front of the chart while parts-related sites are on the back. Parts Ordering The automotive e-commerce hub is growing daily. The companies that specialize in parts ordering offer salvage, OEM and recycled parts directly to the repair facilities, creating an efficient and cost-effective way to order parts. Many of the companies offer price comparison and shipping options to help better serve the customers in this highly competitive market. E-mail Services In today's market, e-mail has become an important aspect of any business. These companies offer e-mail services as means of communication between repair facilities and customers. This category also encompasses a variety of services including customer retention methods or business-to-business contact. Web Development Web sites have become a premier way of advertising important business information. Web sites create a bridge of communication between the consumer and the repair facility. However, finding a service that specializes in creating Web pages specifically for repair shops might be time consuming. These companies specialize in Web development for repair shops. Some offer an interactive approach while others develop the page for sheer marketability of the shop. Marketing The marketing of your shop ultimately contributes to the success of your business. These companies specialize in getting your shop's name out to consumers by means of the Internet. Many independent shops invest thousands of dollars a year on advertising campaigns, enveloping many time-consuming hours that most shop owners simply don't have. Management The key to any business is the capability to succeed. These companies offer management tools that can help your shop succeed in a competitive market. These services might include online business forms, financial information, interactive charts and graphs, and downloadable software.
The world's fascination with the Internet is growing exponentially. With its source of information, marketing techniques and e-commerce capabilities, the Internet is providing the automotive industry with a new way to run its businesses. For your convenience, AutoInc. provides this at-a-glance view of several “dot.com” companies.
For the purpose of this online version of AutoInc., the eKey Poster has been formatted in both a Web version and a .pdf version. In order to view the .pdf version of the poster, you must have software installed on your computer that will read .pdf files. You may download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the .pdf file. Click the version you prefer below.
The Internet is a gateway of information about the automotive industry. A keyword search for “automotive” can produce upward of 400,000 results. It seems almost impossible to keep it all straight. Because of the vast size of the Internet, sometimes searching for what you want is like searching for a needle in a haystack. 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.
The Internet is providing users with specific information pertaining to their interests. As a technician, manager or owner, it is important to keep up with legislative issues in your area. The “Members Only” section on the ASA Web site provides legislative information updated weekly. The section is divided between collision and mechanical issues. The progress of certain bills and regulations can be tracked according to state and subject, keeping members informed about the industry on a state and national level. 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.
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