The University of Aftermarket, through Northwood University, is accepting registration for two courses that serve as important introductions to the motor vehicle and heavy-duty vehicle aftermarkets.
“Aftermarket 101 and Heavy Duty 101 help businesses introduce newer employees to the motor vehicle aftermarket industry,” explained Dr. Thomas Litzinger, executive director of the University of the Aftermarket and aftermarket education industry chair at Northwood University. “Each program is led by Northwood faculty and aftermarket executives, and features team projects, mutual collaboration, innovation, and robust debate.”
Aftermarket 101 will be held May 20-21 at Mahle Aftermarket, Inc., in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Attendees will develop a firm knowledge of the breadth, depth, and scope of the automotive aftermarket, including retail, e-commerce and traditional distribution channels; sales development skills and opportunities; current and future industry trends; a brief introduction to heavy-duty segment; and the opportunities and challenges facing our service dealers.
Featured presenters will include Tina Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride, America’s largest and most trusted independent provider of parts and service to the commercial vehicle aftermarket; and Ted Hughes, executive director of the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), which represents the interests of traditional distribution within the Auto Care Association. The Auto Care Association is the voice of the $380 billion-plus auto care industry, which serves the entire supply chain of the automotive aftermarket.
Other Aftermarket 101 presenters include James O’Dell, associate director of aftermarket education at Northwood University; Jonathan Larsen, vice president of standards and digital products, and Jackie Lutz, content director, both with the Auto Care Association; Rob Wright, senior business development manager for Foresight Management; and Dave Erb from the Automotive Training Institute.
The deadline to register for this course is May 6.
Heavy Duty & Commercial Vehicle 101 is set for May 22-23, also at Mahle Aftermarket, Inc., in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Attendees will develop a solid understanding of the scope of the heavy-duty/commercial vehicle motor vehicle aftermarket. Students will be able to diagram retail, e-commerce, and traditional distribution channels; differentiate how key industry players contribute to the industry; discuss critical initiatives and market strategies within the heavy-duty market; examine challenges and opportunities facing the professional service dealer; demonstrate an understanding of the benefits associated with developing a professional sales network; and learn to distinguish themselves from the competition and dominate the marketplace.
Featured presenters will include Shannon O’Brien, senior director of programming and strategy for MEMA The Vehicle Suppliers Association, which represents the largest manufacturing sector in the U.S. — the vehicle supplier industry; Carter Salwin, vice president of legislative affairs, and John Chalifoux, chief operating officer, both with MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers; Jeff Paul, vice president of marketing for VIPAR Heavy Duty, Inc., America’s leading truck parts network; John Blodgett, vice president of sales and marketing for MacKay & Company, which specializes in the commercial trucking, construction, and agricultural equipment industries; and Edward Kuo, president and CEO for Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN), a trade association that advances the entire independent commercial vehicle aftermarket. Hughes, Hubbard, Wright, O’Dell and Litzinger will also be Heavy Duty 101 presenters.
The deadline to register for this course is May 8.
Registration links and complete descriptions of all University of Aftermarket courses are online here: https://nusites.northwood.edu/apps/uofa/course-calendar.aspx.
