At Automechanika 2002, a global commercial vehicle aftermarket exhibition now under way in Frankfurt, Germany, Harry Howard, vice president and general manager of ArvinMeritor's Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket,
emphasized the importance of consistent on-time delivery of service parts to the company's aftermarket customers.
Based in Florence, Ky., Howard also stressed the company's commitment to strengthening its commercial vehicle aftermarket in Europe, through a dedicated team and the right customer-focused infrastructure.
In Europe, the company provides a wide selection of axle (drive, steer, trailer), brake and suspension parts and assemblies, all under the Meritor brand.
This six-day international show is expected to draw more than 160,000 visitors who will be able to visit more than 4,200 exhibitors from 60 countries.
Michael Franceschelli directs ArvinMeritor's European business, based in Zurich.
Strategic actions being taken by the company in Europe to care for its customers after the sale include:
-- Expand wear parts offerings (brake, suspension, tire inflation systems) and expand kits offerings, rather than only individual parts.
-- Penetrate Eastern European emerging markets such as Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary and the Baltics.
-- Establish price-point offering for older vehicles.
-- Align with/acquire industry players to increase portfolio.
-- Market competitive remanufactured drive axle carriers and develop regional remanufacturing facility.
-- Create a product database and produce industry-leading catalogs (coming late next year will be an online ordering system, similar to XpresswayPlus.com offered in North America.)
"We have a rich history in serving the European aftermarket through the brands of Rockwell, ROR and now the Meritor name," said Franceschelli.