The VIPAR Heavy Duty Supplier Advisory Council recently held its semi-annual meeting to discuss current and expected market conditions and opportunities, as well as other key topics for the independent aftermarket and the company’s distributor network.

“The Supplier Advisory Council serves an essential role in ensuring the many industry-leading programs and services we provide our VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholders are in sync with the current and future goals of our organization and our supplier partners,” said Larry Griffin, VIPAR Heavy Duty vice president of program management. “It’s a valuable resource for keeping a close pulse on the aftermarket’s economic performance, trends in end-user demand, and emerging technologies and regulations.”

Griffin said the council is expecting a stable aftermarket in 2024 with moderate, single-digit growth, a reliable supply chain and continued expansion of the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies’ network. 

“Last year was historic in terms of the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies’ growth and innovation, and we’re committed to continue the momentum in 2024 and beyond,” Griffin said. “The council was very pleased with our performance last year and expressed strong support of our strategy to continue increasing our North American footprint this year and into the future.”

In 2023, the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies’ distributor network reached a milestone 930-plus VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty locations, including nearly 600 that provide service and repair. Additionally, Power Heavy Duty added a record 18 new members for a total of 224 locations.