The ACDelco division of General Motors Co. says new agreements with distributors will help make it easier for distributors to stock ACDelco brand parts and satisfy demand from independent service centers for greater and more timely parts availability.
Changes include a new, open-distribution model in the U.S. that will expand distributors’ sales territories while meeting the needs of independent service centers. In addition, ACDelco has begun adjusting prices on key parts lines and simplifying purchase and incentive programs for distributors.
“I’ve spent the past year talking to our independent service center customers,” says Bob Sanford, general director for ACDelco.
“They believe in the brand and everything it represents; they love the quality and broad coverage of our parts; they think our training is the best in the business; and they’re thrilled with our Consumer Assurance and Roadside Assistance programs for consumers. The issue is they have a difficult time getting our parts, and we are going to change that.”
Sanford says the new agreement positions distributor partners, independent service centers and ACDelco with a “real opportunity” to grow sales and succeed together in the growing aftermarket.
The $145-billion annual aftermarket business is expected to expand another $11 billion in just two years. Even as new-car sales trend back up to pre-recession numbers, the average vehicle on the road today is a 2004 model, according to the company.
“That means there are 100 million vehicles on the road in the U.S. that are six- to 12 years old, representing a real sweet spot for our industry,” says Sanford. “With the business changes we’ve implemented and the power of the ACDelco brand, we intend to seize that opportunity.”
ACDelco offers nearly 90,000 parts across 37 product lines for most makes, models and budgets in more than 100 countries. The company says parts undergo stringent measures to ensure quality and durability. For more information, visit http://www.acdelco.com or call 1-800-ACDELCO.
