Issue link: http://osercommunicationsgroup.uberflip.com/i/592800
A f t e r m a r k e t D a i l y N e w s 1 0 1 Tu e s d a y, N o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 5 BR: The name change from THI to Truck Hero Inc. is a part of a re-branding initia- tive that aligns the company's long-term corporate strategy with its consumer- driven advertising and marketing agenda. Between our high quality products and industry leading reputation, the family of companies that we represent and the products that it offers has always been held in high regard. We firmly believe that the Truck Hero name perfectly encapsulates what and who we are – a rapidly growing leader in the branded consumer pickup truck accessory market. ADN: Who is the Truck Hero family? BR: Since THI was formed in 2007, we have acquired other industry leading brands such as BedRug, UnderCover, Advantage, Retrax, BAK and A.R.E. While we (Truck Hero) are headquar- tered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we have seven manufacturing facilities through- out the United States, which allows us to offer products that cater to all differ- ent lifestyles. From work to play, Truck Hero companies have something for everyone. ADN: What's in store for Truck Hero? BR: We have many exciting things in the works for Truck Hero. Over the next few months, we will be deploying new mar- Truck Hero Inc. (Cont'd. from p. 1) keting and advertising programs to edu- cate the consumer on our products, and how they can enhance their personal vehicles. The goal is to provide a "one- stop-shop" for existing and potential new customers to learn about all of the acces- sories that we offer, and then easily be able to determine how to buy them at local retailers. ADN: Why focus on the consumer? BR: At the end of the day, the consumer is the one who uses our products. We want to ensure that the product we offer fulfills all of the uses that they demand from it, and that they are thrilled to have a Truck Hero product on their vehicle. We have a long history of focusing on the industry and educating our loyal net- work of jobbers on how our products work, but now we would also like to really start working on the consumer education end of the spectrum. We care a great deal about all of our customers, whether it is the jobber in the shop or the construction worker turned weekend warrior. The key here is to make Truck Hero a household name when it comes to outfitting your truck or Jeep, and we want to provide everyone with a positive shopping experience, as well as a high quality and reliable product. For more information, visit booths #31107, #30115 and #31129. The SATAjet 5000 B Chopper conveys a sensation of freedom and independ- ence, attracting biker aficionados, fans of the movie blockbuster "Easy Rider," adventurers of any sort and people with gasoline running through their veins. In line with any other previous spe- cial editions originating from the "Spray Gun Lab" in Kornwestheim, Germany, the SATAjet 5000 B Chopper, due to its special surface treatment, is a fully functional spray gun which is perfectly suited to the conditions seen in paint shops today. This special edition comes with a sam- ple set of three SATA RPSTM dispos- able cups in the sizes of 0.3 l, 0.6 l, 0.9 l. Painters have the choice between the "Super Saver" HVLP version and the "Super Speed" RP ® version in opti- mized high pressure technology. While SATAjet (Cont'd. from p. 1) the SATAjet 5000 B Chopper HVLP spray gun is offered in nozzle sizes ranging from WSB to 1.4, its RP coun- terpart comes in a range between 1.2 up to 1.4. Both are available in standard, as well as DIGITAL ® versions. The gun surface is durable and can be used in any paint environment. However, as many painters consider their SATA special editions too precious to paint with in the bodyshop, a lot of these spray guns are nowadays found in numerous showcases as a special collec- tors' item. As with other special edition guns in previous years, the "Chopper" spray gun is offered as a strictly time-limited pro- motion. The SATAjet 5000 B Chopper is available to your SATA dealer beginning November 2, 2015, available while sup- plies last. For more information, visit booth #10609 and www.SATA.com. all of our competitors, we bring genera- tions of aftermarket experience and lead- ership. In fact, next year, we'll celebrate 100 years in the aftermarket business. That's experience few can match. Our greatest strengths are our repu- tation for quality parts and our status as the only true provider of General Motors OE replacement parts. In addition, our Professional premium aftermarket and economically priced Advantage product lines accommodate maintenance and repair needs for most makes and models. ACDelco doesn't just sell parts; we also provide maintenance and repair expertise through a strong network of more than 6,000 independent Professional Service Center program shops. We work closely with them on training, marketing and business support, and other vital services that help them grow and succeed. ADN: ACDelco implemented an open distribution model this year. Is it working? RS: Since making the change, our after- market business this year has exceeded 2014 levels. There is also renewed inter- est in ACDelco from warehouse distribu- tors and program groups. We've met with several that are interested in becoming affiliated with ACDelco. Feedback from independent repair shops across the country indicates improved availability of ACDelco parts. ADN: What will visitors see in ACDelco's AAPEX booth? RS: It's a double booth and it looks great. Visitors will experience the breadth and depth of our product lineup, which includes more than 90,000 parts across 37 lines. We'll showcase our vast brake portfolio that includes GM OE, Professional, Advantage and Specialty tiers, as well as ACDelco-exclusive brake technologies like Duralife rotors. We'll also demonstrate state-of-the- art e-business solutions like CONNEC- TION, which offers tools that enhance ACDelco (Cont'd. from p. 1) shops' productivity, speed parts lookup and inventory tracking, and much more. Our training section features the technician recognition program we launched in the summer. By rewarding technicians who work to improve their skills, we hope others will follow. ACDelco training is industry-leading, with the same courses dealers get. ADN: What are you doing to support your aftermarket customers? RS: When shops partner with us, they preserve their independence while get- ting world-class marketing support and lead generation. Along with the training I mentioned, we're launching new parts and expanding existing lines such as new starters and alternators, cabin air filters and more GM OE offerings like tire pres- sure monitoring system and powertrain components. GMsi and TIS2Web software give shops the ability to keep profitable diag- nostic work affordable and in-house, and the ability to earn access through parts purchases. We understand relationships are important, so we have several hundred feet on the street calling on our cus- tomers. Other benefits include loyalty purchase programs and professional point-of-sale materials that improve shops' look and feel to their customers. ADN: What makes you most optimistic about ACDelco's future? RS: The aftermarket continues to grow and we're well-positioned to grow with it. Despite surging new-car sales, the average vehicle dates to 2004. Those vehicles will need parts and service. ACDelco consistently ranks high in independent brand-health studies, and we plan to capitalize on our reputation for quality and dependability as we serve our independent aftermarket cus- tomers. For more information, visit booths #4609-4809 at AAPEX, go to www.ac delco.com or call 800.ACDelco. also never out of supplies that my guys need to get their work done." The vending devices are located close to the point of work, so employees can eliminate the time spent walking and waiting in search of supplies, and spend more time on the job. T&W Tire noticed an immediate improvement with the new technology. With four technicians saving about 45 minutes each day on time that had been lost searching for tools and sup- plies, T&W Tire is saving almost $20,000 per year in fully burdened labor costs. The savings on materials is signifi- cant, too. With an immediate reduction in consumption, the Wichita Falls location is saving more than $1,400 on tire patch- es and almost $500 on glue each year. "There are fewer items laying around the shop, so we have lower sup- T&W Tire (Cont'd. from p. 4) ply costs," said Hilbers. "Plus, guys that had been idle before because they could- n't find the right supplies are now more productive because everything they need is at their fingertips. I wouldn't want to go without it — it's been a lifesaver." About Myers Tire Supply Myers Tire Supply distributes a complete line of tire valve hardware, tire patches, TPMS sensors, tire changing tools, equipment and back shop supplies. It is also the automotive aftermarket's partner for revenue generation, customer satis- faction, safety and productivity. Solutions are presented to customers through its knowledgeable sales repre- sentatives, and products are distributed through a network of four distribution centers throughout the U.S. For more information, visit booth #43167, call 800.998.9897 or visit www.myerstiresupply.com. products all the way from 1-to-1, 2-to-1 and 4-to-1 clears and a variety of each. We have some very unique niche clears and primers, including a true two-coat clear that is a 1-to-1 mix, 'Prestige Clear,' a clear that is so unique that it is absolutely a one of a kind with a per- formance that is unchallenged. Come by the booth and we'll share the details of this 'Bullet Proof' clear with you." Axis Performance Coatings' colors are factory-packed in the cans; you'll never need to mix up your own colors according to a formula. "Those include Axis Performance Coatings (Cont'd. from p. 4) synthetic enamels, acrylic enamels and single-stage urethane colors with cus- tomizable colors, so the customer can order any color desired," Disney said. "We can also customize special products and colors to the customer's specification and also have private-label programs." Axis Performance Coatings is cur- rently seeking distributors and offering protected territories. Stop by the compa- ny's booth during SEMA to inquire. For more information, visit booth #10747, call 866.637.8418, e-mail tom.disney@vogelautomotive.com or visit www.axiscoatings.com.