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MEMA Aftermarket Tech Conference Boosts Support for AACF
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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
The link hidden, please login to view is hosting a sweepstakes where you can help raise money for the organization and have a chance to win a 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible. Below is the organization’s description of the sweepstakes, as well as a link to enter:
“Get ready to own a piece of American automotive history! In celebration of our milestone 65th Anniversary, we’re giving you the chance to win a spectacular, fully restored 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible—an iconic classic pony car that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go. This incredible Mustang has been lovingly brought back to its original glory, featuring a sleek, timeless design and powerful performance that defined an era.
Imagine cruising down the open road with the top down, feeling the wind in your hair and the roar of the engine beneath you. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or just someone who loves the thrill of a true American muscle car, this 1965 Mustang offers an unforgettable driving experience.
By entering, you’re not only putting yourself in the running to win this amazing car—you’re also supporting a worthy cause. The sweepstakes benefits the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), helping families in the automotive aftermarket industry when they need it most.
link hidden, please login to viewEnter the sweepstakes today and take a step closer to making this legendary Mustang yours.”
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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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