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University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 Session Underway
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By APF
When selecting parts for a car repair, it pays to know the differences between original and aftermarket parts. Whenever possible, get estimates for both.
Choosing between original and aftermarket car parts — and even used parts of either type — is all about squaring your priorities with your budget.
You’ll have different options depending on the part and the shop. And the best choice will depend on whether you’re trying to keep repairs cheap, restore your car’s appearance after a wreck or soup up your ride.
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Before we get into that, here are the key differences:
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts match those that came with your car, and are of the same quality as its original parts. They’re also the most expensive. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, and made by other manufacturers — often several, giving you more options. Used parts may have a bit of wear and tear, but should be inspected or rebuilt to ensure they’ll work. These are the cheapest option. Choosing between aftermarket and OEM parts
Your decision will depend on the type of repair and the quality and price of the parts. Always look for parts that come with a warranty, even if they’re OEM, so you’ll be protected in case they fail.
Auto body repairs
Some aftermarket parts may be OK for
link hidden, please login to view, but others won’t be as good, says Michael Calkins, manager of technical services at AAA. “There’s a lot of variation in quality.” For example, he says, aftermarket parts often don’t have the same level of rustproofing as original parts, fit and finish don’t match, or panels don’t align properly. If OEM parts are used in auto body repair, the car should look and work exactly as it did before the damage, because everything will match up. OEM parts are also crash-tested, unlike many aftermarket parts.
Aftermarket parts come at varying price points and levels of quality, but because they are cheaper, insurance companies often prefer them. If you want OEM parts but are dealing with an insurer that wants the shop to use aftermarket parts, ask to pay the difference.
“There’s also the option of used parts, depending on the age of the vehicle,” Calkins says. “It may be cheaper than an aftermarket part but still have all of the original quality.”
Mechanical repairs
A used part, whether it’s OEM or aftermarket, can really save money on repairs under the hood, so long as it’s inspected first and warrantied. And some aftermarket companies reverse-engineer their products to be even better than OEM versions.
For example, many car buffs will tell you that you can get heavy-duty shocks and struts or brake pads that are made of stronger materials. Scan some reviews online, or talk with your mechanic if you’re not sure whether an aftermarket part could be an upgrade.
Adding some extras
If you’d like to modify your ride by adding something like a backup camera or back-seat TV screen, you’ll probably be looking for aftermarket parts. Certain aftermarket upgrades could increase
link hidden, please login to view. This is especially true for improvements like a better sound system or alloy wheels, rather than mechanical repairs. Who provides OEM or aftermarket parts?
The options you’ll have for parts depends on the nature of the repairs and what type of shop you take your car to:
Dealership repair shops will offer only OEM parts — they have no reason to offer a cheaper product from a competitor link hidden, please login to view may be able to offer you a choice between OEM and aftermarket parts Independent garages that specialize in your type of vehicle will likely have both, but with quicker access to OEM parts, including used OEM parts, which can really save you Auto body shops can offer both, but if your collision repair is part of an insurance claim, the insurer will likely prefer aftermarket parts to save money Depending on the job, the cost of OEM versus aftermarket parts varies. Whenever you’re given the choice, ask to see estimates for both so you can weigh your options.
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By Counterman
MAHLE showcased its full-service portfolio of products at AAPEX. The company said it aims to position itself as a “one-stop shop” for technicians, shop owners and drivers. Key offerings highlighted at this year’s AAPEX show included
link hidden, please login to viewgaskets, engine components, filters and thermal management solutions as well as the company’s battery diagnostic systems, A/C units and latest shop equipment. “Our goal is to further expand MAHLE Aftermarket’s leading role in the global market with attractive offers for repair shops and trade,” said Eduardo Spilla, general manager,
link hidden, please login to viewAftermarket North America. “We are particularly focused on electrification, digitalization, and sustainability in order to help create the future of transportation and do our part in providing high-quality solutions to customers around the world.” More information on MAHLE can be found online or by contacting MAHLE local sales representatives.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announces the promotion of Mike Maleski and Brandi Gangel to co-presidents, as well as the addition of Sam Littman as director of finance & operations. These strategic leadership changes underscore the company’s commitment to growth, innovation and operational excellence, while continuing its long-standing tradition of delivering impactful media solutions to the transportation industry. Babcox Media CEO, Bill Babcox, emphasized that Maleski’s and Gangel’s leadership, along with Littman’s financial and operational expertise, will be key to running effective and efficient operations while staying focused on creativity and growth.
“In today’s complex and ever-changing media landscape, having co-presidents allows us to maximize the unique strengths that both Mike and Brandi bring to the company,” Babcox said. “Their combined expertise in digital product development, data and marketing creates a winning combination for us. Additionally, we’re excited to welcome Sam Littman, whose fresh perspective and strategic consulting experience will support our ongoing evolution as we grow our business.”
Maleski joined Babcox Media in 2016 after a successful career in media and sports, including leadership roles at The Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Cleveland Cavaliers. With 30 years of experience in sales, digital marketing and media innovation, he has led Babcox Media’s digital transformation, developing ROI-driven strategies for advertisers and sponsors. As co-president, he will continue to build on these successes and lead the company’s sales and business development efforts.
“I am excited to step into this role alongside Brandi. Together, we’ll deliver forward-thinking media solutions for the markets we serve,” Maleski said. “Our focus on innovation, paired with the incredible talent across the company, positions Babcox Media as a leader in this space.”
Gangel, who joined Babcox Media in 2014, has been instrumental in the company’s audience data and marketing initiatives. With more than two decades of experience across the hospitality, retail and media industries, Gangel has proven expertise in data acquisition, development and integrated multimedia strategies. As co-president, she will spearhead the company’s audience-driven and customer-success strategies, leveraging data to implement informed and creative solutions.
“I’m honored to partner with Mike,” Gangel said. “Our industry is at an exciting crossroads, and I look forward to further developing our audience intelligence, content creation and marketing capabilities to drive results for our clients. I’m excited to tap into the strengths of our team and build upon our success.”
As director of finance & operations, Littman brings experience from Ernst & Young, where he worked as a management consultant. With a strong financial acumen and expertise in business process optimization and operational efficiency, he will play a critical role in supporting Babcox Media’s continued success.
“I’m thrilled to return to Northeast Ohio and join Babcox Media,” Littman said. “I look forward to working with the team to strengthen our operations and support the company’s ambitious growth plans.”
Babcox Media remains committed to evolving with the needs of its audience while staying true to its roots as a leading provider of innovative content and data solutions for the transportation industry.
For more information, visit babcox.com or contact Bill Babcox at 330.670.1234 x217 or [email protected].
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By Counterman
“Humans think AI is going to replace them,” says Mike Mohler, executive vice president and chief purchasing officer with the Automotive Parts Service Group.
“It won’t. Somebody using AI to be better than you will replace you.”
The integration of artificial intelligence in the aftermarket is more advanced than many people might realize, according to Mohler. It’s already yielding impressive results for those who are using it effectively. The primary challenge is not just the availability of data, but the effective use of that data to drive actionable insights and decisions. Mohler cites a report from Accenture showing that AI-driven price optimization can result in a 5% increase in gross margin and a 15% boost in revenue.
“You look at some of our competitors, and they’re able to post comparatively outrageous profit margins,” says Mohler. “They’re using AI for logistical prowess. They’re using it for customer service. They’re using it to get the right pricing in play.”
The ability to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analysis is a major advantage of AI. Data scientists in the aftermarket industry are increasingly using the technology to turn large sets of data into actionable insights. This includes identifying market trends, customer preferences and operational inefficiencies. The application of AI in this area can lead to better strategic planning and improved business outcomes. Mohler says those applications can have a significant impact on profitability.
“Let’s say the average WD would have a 25-45% gross profit margin, given their business model. Some competitors are posting 58%. AI is going to be the tool to help them catch up. We’ve got to get to 53% minimum, I think. That’s a rarefied position, but it’s been tested by some of the smartest people that I know, and it should be achievable when we’re planning and we’re hoping that it is,” Mohler explains.
A Customer Experience Revolution
AI’s application extends to customer service as well. Chatbots and virtual assistants are now commonplace, offering customers quick and efficient service. These AI-driven tools have evolved to the point where they can engage in conversations that are increasingly indistinguishable from human interaction.
“I wonder how many people know that they’re talking to a chatbot when they’re talking to a chatbot?,” asks Mohler.
Navigating the Risks
Despite its advantages, AI’s integration into the aftermarket raises several concerns. Cybersecurity is one of them, as increased reliance on data systems introduces new vulnerabilities.
“We have employees with access to the internet at a thumb’s notice, and if we’re not careful, they can mistakenly click on something that could disrupt our business for months,” Mohler explains.
Mohler also expresses concerns about protecting intellectual property. Misuse of data or inadequate protection against competitive eavesdropping could undermine trust and impact the industry’s integrity.
“Once the data hits the public domain, how do we protect it and how do we make sure that it’s not being used against us? How do we know that we’re not enabling our competitor who’s able to electronically eavesdrop on one another like never before?,” asks Mohler.
Envisioning AI’s Next Steps
Mohler stresses that AI’s influence on the aftermarket is only in its infancy. Over the next 5-10 years, he envisions an advancement from a basic understanding of AI as an algorithmic tool to more specialized applications tailored to industry-specific needs.
“So my thought would be that companies would have their own internalized GPTs and industries would have their own internalized GPTs. My hope is also that we will become as skilled at selling to disembodied customers via e-commerce as we are at selling to them when they’re across the counter from us or in our stores,” Mohler says.
Mohler references the seven stages of AI when looking ahead to the technology’s impact on the aftermarket.
“When it comes to supply chain, when it comes to logistically moving products around, when it comes to optimizing sale price, optimizing customer service, my hope is that we will be a little closer to stage seven. Right now, we’re really at stage one and a half, maybe two,” says Mohler.
As the technology evolves, moving beyond its current capabilities, AI’s exact impact on the aftermarket, and countless other industries, will be even more profound. Companies that invest in AI and adapt to its changes will be well-positioned to thrive in the future of the automotive aftermarket.
“It’s incumbent upon us to understand AI and to become data scientists ourselves, because everybody’s got access to the data. Whoever can use the most disparate sources for the best outcomes is going to win in my overall view of it,” says Mohler.
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