Uni-Select partnering with the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is a major game-changer for the industry in Canada.
On June 1, Uni-Select announced that it had joined the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, creating the largest single group in the Canadian aftermarket industry.
Under the terms of the arrangement, both Uni-Select and the Alliance will continue to operate as independent entities, while at the same time using the partnership to more closely collaborate as well as leverage resources and boost brand recognition, including awareness for both the Bumper to Bumper network across North America, as well as bolstering the recently established Bumper to Bumper Auto Service program.
This partnership is a very significant game-changer for the aftermarket and to find out a little more, CarCare Business interviewed Uni-Select President & CEO, Brent Windom. Here’s what he had to say:
CarCare Business: How did the idea of pursuing this partnership with the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance come about?
Brent Windom: It was part of a strategic initiative following the sale of the US Auto Parts division back in 2015. We have actively been undertaking this evaluation for the last 12-18 months.
Where there some key aspects of the automotive aftermarket distribution system and supply chain, that made Uni-Select decide that a partnership like this was the way forward?
We see opportunities to share common industry-specific technology solutions as well as leveraging the Alliance IT developmental team and investments to go faster.
Also, partnering with strong existing members of the Alliance group will allow us to drive National Account opportunities. Certainly, from this partnership, we see the ability to generate a greater understanding of North American Aftermarket trends and impacts.
With the announcement of the association with Alliance can you tell us (if applicable) some of the benefits we’re likely to see for Uni-Select members both on the parts and service repair side and the aftermarket industry as a whole?
Over time, we see that the technical and marketing enhancements from our association with the Alliance will bring market value to the network.
Given the COVID-19 situation, how, if applicable, has that changed Uni-Select’s approach to the parts distribution business and service repair and how do you see this partnership with the Alliance fitting in with the company’s longer-term objectives?
To the first part of your question COVID-19 GTM (Go to Market) strategy and approaches will vary greatly with our safety protocols and those of our customers. We will be respectful of what our customers put in place for sure and have increased our level of communication at all levels via technology.
In some cases, we believe this environment has brought speed and a sense of urgency as we are currently not traveling, while at the same time, we continue to work collaboratively with our channel partners. There’s no question we will get back to some level of social interaction again, it’s just a matter of time.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
We are privileged to work in a business that has been supporting essential services since the beginning of the pandemic. We take pride in the actions taken by our team. Those actions have allowed both our associates and channel partners to operate in a safe and healthy environment, which was our priority.
We have made strategic long-term decisions and realize the art of the possible like never before. We are more confident that, as we emerge from the COVID-19 emergency, we will have a stronger network and channel partners for our customers.
