KPI — April: State of Business

North America is bracing itself for recessionary conditions directly related to the stay-at-home orders associated with COVID-19. Nearly 22 million workers have filed for unemployment compensation in the past month, with six of the most highly impacted sectors being Restaurants and Bars, Travel and Transportation, Entertainment (i.e., casinos and amusement parks), Personal Services (i.e., dentists,… Continue reading KPI — April: State of Business

KPI — April: Automotive Aftermarket

As predicted, government stay-at-home orders due to the novel coronavirus have influenced a significant change in many consumer habits—from a substantial increase in Netflix subscriptions and wide-range acceptance of platforms like Zoom to a boost in curbside pickup and delivery of goods. Life in physical isolation has become truly digital, with online shopping at the… Continue reading KPI — April: Automotive Aftermarket

KPI — April: New and Used Vehicle Sales

New Vehicle Market Data Vehicle sales continued to nose dive in relation to COVID-19, with March total new-vehicle sales down 37.9% year-over- year. The March SAAR plummeted to 11.4 million—down from 16.7 million the month prior and a decrease from 17.3 million last year. Additionally, new vehicle inventories came in over 3.7 million units. •… Continue reading KPI — April: New and Used Vehicle Sales

KPI — April: Recent Vehicle Recalls

2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass Vehicles Affected: Approximately 425,600 model year 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic pickup trucks and Jeep Compass SUVs produced before March 3rd The Problem: The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly. This reduces the driver’s visibility in certain… Continue reading KPI — April: Recent Vehicle Recalls

KPI — April: State of the Economy

Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 701,000 in March while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate increase of 0.9 percentage point stands as the largest month-over-month increase since January 1975, and is reflective of the pandemic and efforts to contain it properly. Subsequently, the number… Continue reading KPI — April: State of the Economy

KPI — April: Manufacturing ISM

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in March, and the overall economy grew for the 131st consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. The March PMI® registered 49.1%, down one percentage point from the February reading of 50.1%. The Report On Business® measures its data using… Continue reading KPI — April: Manufacturing ISM

SEMA Data Co-op Offering eCommerce Data Updates

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free eCommerce plugins to help SEMA members enhance online retail sales, the group announced. “As the country continues to shelter at home, consumers are spending more time shopping online,” the group said in the announcement. “Smart businesses are focusing on online sales and product data to mitigate downturns due… Continue reading SEMA Data Co-op Offering eCommerce Data Updates

Air Lift Hosting Marketing Webinar Series for Shops

During this current crisis, Air Lift Company is aiming to assist the aftermarket automotive industry through a series of free webinars for owners of automotive shops about digital marketing. Click here to register for the webinar. Led by Air Lift’s Digital Marketing Strategies Manager, Devin Pringle, MBA, the six-week “Essential Online Marketing for Shops” series… Continue reading Air Lift Hosting Marketing Webinar Series for Shops

Should I Market My Business During a Downturn?

It is uncertain times for shop owners around the country. Whole states are on lockdown, people are stuck at home and cars are stuck in the garage. But that doesn’t mean your shop should go dark, too. Barry Alt, a digital strategist specializing in restoration, performance and race shops, says that it is important now,… Continue reading Should I Market My Business During a Downturn?

AAM Group Creates Made-to-Color Line Art

These unprecedented times have most people homebound for the next few weeks. Since most are sheltering in place, The AAM Group is publishing six made-to-color line art images to help pass the time. These artistic renditions of popular automotive aftermarket accessories are designed to create a positive entertainment experience to share with the whole family… Continue reading AAM Group Creates Made-to-Color Line Art

Targeting Your (Quarantined) Customers

The team at Kahn Media has been posting blogs and helpful links aimed at keeping aftermarket businesses informed and energized during the coronavirus pandemic. While there’s no denying these are tough economic times, there is some positive news as far as consumer engagement and opportunities to reach gearheads with time to spend in their garages.… Continue reading Targeting Your (Quarantined) Customers

SEMA Webinars Explain SBA Loan Programs, Labor Laws

A recently held SEMA webinar explaining the Paycheck Protection Program and other Small Business Administration loan programs, is now available for viewing as a recording, the organization announced. Hosted by Daniel Ingber, SEMA’s vice president of government and legal affairs, and C.E. “Tee” Rowe, president and CEO of America’s Small Business Development Centers, the webinar… Continue reading SEMA Webinars Explain SBA Loan Programs, Labor Laws

Keystone Automotive Compiling COVID-19 Resources

Keystone Automotive Operations is compiling resources to aid dealers attempting to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an email sent out to customers. The warehouse distributor has added a COVID-19 hub to its eKeystone website for dealers, which includes information on aid and assistance programs, including the recently passed CARES Act and its Paycheck Protection… Continue reading Keystone Automotive Compiling COVID-19 Resources