Welcome To Our New Blog!
Welcome to LightTruckBiz.com’s new blog: The Best Trucking Blog You’ll Ever Read! If you are involved in the truck and SUV aftermarket business, this blog is for you. You can expect regular postings with opinions, observations and outlooks on just about every topic that affects our industry. Nothing is sacred. But remember, this blog is nothing without you. With your feedback and comments, we will make this the best trucking blog out there! So without any further adieu, here’s my first posting:
Accessories and OEM Growth
As I read the May 2 eNews letter from SEMA, a particular news item caught my eye. SEMA reported that accessories remain a big part of OEM sales plans. It references several of the keynote remarks made by Robert Lutz, vice chairman, global product development at General Motors.
SEMA’s vice president of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak says one comment of particular interest made by Lutz was that two of the top growth areas that GM is focusing on for increased revenue are electronic services (such as OnStar) and parts and accessories.
This is good news for new car dealers. It means more choices for customers who walk through their doors — more opportunities to upsell.
This could also be good for SEMA members. Aftermarket manufacturers that build strong relationships with OEMs will have the opportunity to sell their products at the time of vehicle purchase.
But what about aftermarket dealers/installers? Well, it depends on your relationship with your local dealers. For those shops that work with dealers, it could mean more potential work (unless the dealerships get into the install business as well). But it could also mean a decline of work for some shops.
OEMs seem to think that aftermarket accessories are a key part of their future growth. How our industry is able to adapt to that transition will determine our success.
Thanks for reading!
Joe Escobar
Editor in Chief
Light Truck and SUV