Big Three enter the Internet parts arena

DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors have teamed with Bell & Howell to create their own Internet portal for on-line parts and service.

It will facilitate the flow of OEM parts between franchised dealers and their customers, beginning with independent collision shops. Plans are to first launch this portal in the U.S. and Canada, eventually going global.

“This venture creates a common OEM replacement parts and service portal that will automate and integrate the parts and service supply chain among the OE manufacturer, its dealers and each dealer’s wholesale customers — including collision shops, fleets and mechanical repair shops,” said Chuck Rotuno, formerly senior vice president and general manager, Global Automotive Publishing, at Bell & Howell Publishing Services, the venture’s newly appointed president and CEO.

“The goals of this venture are to radically improve information flows between dealers and their customers; streamline transactions; reduce costs while improving efficiencies and customer satisfaction, and facilitate the sale of genuine OE quality parts in a secure environment,” continued Rotuno. Expected products and services include business-to-business links between dealers and their customers; integration into existing business management systems; parts locating and transaction capabilities; electronic data validation and conversion, and OEM parts and service information.

The three automakers and Bell & Howell are equity participants in the new venture. Bell & Howell is the lead technology partner.