E-Commerce

News articles and press releases reveal that automotive parts e-commerce is massive and growing fast. Franchised dealerships in the U.S. can now choose from a half-dozen distinct approaches to online OE parts sales implemented by over a dozen providers offering over two dozen separate solutions. As parts e-commerce has grown, solutions have become more specialized – from those that only process B2B collision parts orders, to virtual marketplaces, to dealer websites selling parts, accessories and merchandise for consumers and enthusiasts and much more. For many automakers, parts revenue represents the largest single source of margin most years. For most dealers, parts and accessories revenue is their #1 or #2 source of profit margin – so, the expansion of OE parts e-commerce and the changes it brings – matters.  And for dealers, parts e-commerce is different - applying the lessons from successful web marketing of vehicles and workshop service won't be enough - for more see Service Parts E-Commerce is Unique.

The alternatives and various OE service parts e-commerce are explained in the following pages in a manner designed to enable automakers, their franchised dealerships, systems providers and other industry participants with a framework to evaluate parts e-commerce for new or expanded initiatives.

 

 

Last Upated: January 12, 2012.