News and Events: Service Parts Industry
Automotive service parts events in the U.S. and
relevant news from the stakeholders in service parts improvements and
automation - summarized on a monthly basis. The current month is
displayed below.
September 2011
News and Events of September 2011.
Last updated mid-November 2011.
October 2011
News and Events of October 2011.
Last updated late-November 2011.
November 2011
News and Events of
November 2011. Last updated in early-December 2011.
December 2011
News and Events of
December 2011. Last updated early-January 2012.
January - 2012
News
Babcox Media
- Babcox, publisher of BodyShop Business, Aftermarket News and
other aftermarket media, announced its acquisition of Automotive
Video Inc. (AVI). Florida-based AVI provides training/education
products and video services related to automotive repair technology.
Data Privacy, Access & Use
- The Society of Collision Repair Specialists, (SCRS), Automotive
Service Association (ASA), and the Alliance of Automotive Service
Providers (AASP) issued a joint statement of concern over how
estimating and management system providers collect and use shops'
business-generated data. Contending that systems suppliers are
collecting business information without shops' consent and in some
cases selling it to third parties. The groups are asking the these
companies give shops the option to keep this information private
rather than making information sharing a requirement.
OEConnection
- OEConnection launches redesigned website to reflect greater
focus on International and non-automotive markets. OEConnection
reported that its new website, currently in English only, will be
available in three additional languages - Spanish, French and
Chinese - soon.
Skyparts
- Skyparts announced a new website and near-term plans for a major
expansion of functionality to be deployed in time for NADA (early
February). As one element of that extension, Skyparts is adding an
OE part-number web-EPC to their site. Parts buyers will now be able
to look up part numbers at the Skyparts site and then directly place
an e-commerce order (currently buyers need to know the OE part
numbers of the parts they intend to order – before coming to
Skyparts). Skyparts will be using OE parts information from MOTOR
Information Systems for site's web EPC.
Summit Software
- Summit Software launched a new division, building on a recent
acquisition, to provide collision repairers with digital marketing,
communications services. The new division will be known as
"e-Marketing Sherpa's”. Initially, key services of the new division
include: (i) e-MarketPlace, designed to enable shops to build
marketing a database via integration with Audatex, CCC and Mitchell
collision repair solutions; and (ii) websites for shops.
Conferences & Exhibitions
Blogs
Last Updated: January 20, 2012.