Parts shortage is the biggest challenge facing automotive repair and service shops going forward, according to a recent survey of shops in the United States. IMR surveyed independent automotive repair shops in February to get insight into what they believe…
Some suppliers in the automotive industry are in financial distress moving forward this year, an industry expert warned. Despite increasing revenues and proclamations of it being a period of “boom” for the automotive aftermarket, notably jobber stores and repair shops,…
Automotive aftermarket suppliers and distributors need to do a better job of working together, urged a leader of a distributor. Specifically, when it comes to pricing, said Carlos Straetger, supply chain manager at Super Repuestos, based in Central America. “We…
While delays in the supply chain will extend beyond this year, prices seem to have stabilized. Speaking at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s 2022 Global Summit in early February, a leading industry observer explained that there have been six weeks…
High demand for products and a lack of capacity for all of it continues to be a major driver of supply chain challenges, according to an expert. Tom Cook, managing director at supply chain consultancy Blue Tiger International, told attendees…
As many governments locally and around the world phase in plans to ease pandemic-related restrictions, that is the starting flag of good and positive times ahead for the automotive aftermarket, a prominent leader suggested. “So after so many false starts…
In many ways, it has been some of the best of times for the automotive aftermarket. But, as one leader pointed out and quoted Charles Dickens, it has been the worst of times as well. A black swan event is…
With a lack of new vehicles available, consumers are turning to the used market. But can demand keep up with supply? Yes, and it has been doing that quite well, reported Todd Campau, global aftermarket solutions associate director with IHS…
Good times ahead? No, they’re already here for the automotive aftermarket. If the numbers from the United States are a template for the rest of the world, the automotive aftermarket industry is doing quite well. Actually, that may be underselling…
An already pinched supply chain will face further challenges and some costs could increase following Russia’s decision to go to war with neighbouring Ukraine. Notably, prices of oil and gasoline are expected to spike. Both countries are also major suppliers…
AT&T, a major wireless carrier in the United States, will soon be shutting down its 3G wireless technology and that could negatively impact the freight industry, a research group recently warned. The sunsetting is set to take place Feb. 22.…
Right to repair has taken a major step forward in the United States for a trio of industries, including the automotive aftermarket. American lawmakers introduced three bills related to right to repair, one for each of the automotive, agriculture and…