AASA ‘Know Your Parts’ Campaign Promotes Quality Brand Name Aftermarket Parts

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has initiated a “Know Your Parts” awareness and educational campaign designed to address concerns over the low-cost, off shore, generic auto parts that are flooding the domestic aftermarket. AASA notes that these low cost parts may be of insufficient quality to meet safe vehicle operation standards, and pose a potential danger to both the technician installing them and the consumer driving the vehicle on which they are installed.

The entire aftermarket could suffer from the resulting loss of public confidence in our parts and services, AASA feels, and this campaign promotes the importance of quality brand name aftermarket parts backed by full service suppliers. It is AASA’s firm belief that it is not important where a product is made, but rather who stands behind it. So if you want the best option for the highest-quality replacement parts, insist on the brands that are active members of the AASA like Bosch.

For more information on the AASA KnowYourParts campaign, visit: http://www.aftermarketsuppliers.org/knowyourparts/.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 275,000 associates generated sales of $53 billion (38.2 billion euros) in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is repre¬sented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than $5 billion (3.5 billion euros) for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy and healthcare products. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs more than 20,000 associates in more than 70 locations, with reported sales of $7.3 billion in fiscal 2009.

For more information, visit www.boschusa.com.

For more information on Bosch Automotive Products, visit www.boschautoparts.com.

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

Read Full Article