Crate Engines: A Smart Solution
Remanufactured engines, or “crate” engines as they are often called because they usually arrive in a shipping crate or on a wooden pallet, have become a popular alternative to overhauling engines that have reached the end of the road.
Evolution of Aftermarket Product Lines: Part I
The complexities of today’s aftermarket product lines challenge every distributor and manufacturer. How did we get to this point and how will the future of domestic and off-shore sourcing shape tomorrow’s aftermarket? In Part I (of a four part series), Dave Caracci writes about how aftermarket product lines evolved, setting the stage for tomorrow’s new supplier dynamics and relationships.
15th Annual Tech Forum
This month, Counterman presents the 15th annual Technical Forum, a question-and-answer style section that addresses some of the questions you and your customers need to know.
Product Training and Technology: More Like Rocket Science
Just when you think you have a handle on product training, something new is introduced to the market. Do you have the time, money and smarts to stay informed?
Executive Interview With Jose Maria Alapont, Chief Executive of Federal-Mogul
Alapont and other Federal-Mogul executives met with Counterman/aftermarketNews Publisher Jon Owens and Counterman Editor Brian Cruickshank at the AAPEX show in Las Vegas last month, where they spoke at length about Federal-Mogul’s emergence from bankruptcy, the current state of the industry and what Alapont thinks the future will look like for Federal-Mogul. October 1, 2006
ASE Test Prep: Automatic Transmission
There will be two questions on the ASE P2 test that deal with automatic transmissions, parts and products.
Keeping Your Bearing: Engine Bearings & Engine Kits
There’s a lot to know when ordering engine parts for a rebuild. Considering the labor involved, your customer will likely demand the best parts you can find.
Mechanic Connection: Sourcing Engine Parts
Because of the time and expense involved, many factors go into sourcing engine parts. It’s a typical scenario: a late ’90s front-wheel drive van suffers a blown cylinder head gasket and the owner drives the vehicle until the engine quits. Upon initial inspection, the engine will crank, start and run, but produces a one-half crankshaft-speed
Treating Customers with Empathy
Editor’s Note: This is the third article in a series on customer service. The first article, Creating Customer Loyalty: Are Your Customers Really Happy With Your Service, as well as the second, Bridging The Reliability Gap, can be found online at www.counterman.com. A common mistake made by many businesses is a homogeneous approach to their
Why Don’t I Give You All of My Business?
Most parts distributors strive for the exclusive business relationship with their dealer accounts, but most often shops, for various reasons, tend to spread their business around.